Stenotic nares is part of the brachycephalic syndrome of short-nosed dogs (Brachycephalics), which includes breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos.

Stenotic nares means the nostrils are pinched or narrow compared to that of other breeds. As many people are aware, short nosed breeds often have difficulty in breathing - this is called ‘Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome’, or BOAS.

Stenotic nares can be corrected by corrective surgery. If performed early, this can prevent development of secondary changes associated with BOAS, which can help prevent the need for more invasive (and therefore) more high-risk surgery.

Signs of stenotic nares

The signs of stenotic nares are:

• Narrow nostril openings

• Increased respiratory effort

• Exercise intolerance or panting when exercising

• Vomiting/regurgitation of food

• Salivation

• Loud snoring noises

• High pitched wheezing sound

• Difficulty breathing

About the surgery

All animals undergoing this surgery need a general anaesthetic and they spend the day with us. A wedge resection using a surgical blade removes a section of tissue from the stenotic nares to widen the nostrils. This widens the airway and helps to improve the animal’s ability to breathe through it’s nose.

The photo here demonstrates the before and after appearance of stenotic nares surgery. As you can see the nostril in the left side (dog’s right) after surgery is wider than the left. This is a simple and effective surgery that can be performed at neutering.

If this article has raised any concerns about your pet, please call us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.