What are Brachycephalic Dogs?
Brachycephalic dogs are breeds with a shortened skull and flat face, giving them a “pushed-in” or “squashed” appearance. The term “brachycephalic” comes from Greek:
- “brachy” = short
- “cephalic” = head
Common Brachycephalic breeds that we see at BVH include:
- Pug Dogs
- Boston Terriers
- English Bulldogs
- Cavalier King Charles
- French Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Lhasa Apso
What kind of problems do Brachycephalic Dogs typically have?
Because of their conformation, Brachycephalic Breeds typically have several medical conditions that other breeds are not prone to including:
- Prone to gastrointestinal reflux – this increases the risk of aspiration during an anaesthetic event. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, and in some instances, death
- Narrow Tracheas (windpipe)
- Elongated soft palate that can obstruct the airway (increased snoring)
- Narrow/stenosed nares (nostrils)
- Everted laryngeal saccules (like tonsils)
- Intolerance to heat as they cannot pant and dissipate heat effectively (Hyperthermia)
- Prone to eye injuries (shallow eye sockets)
How do these problems affect the anaesthetic risk for Brachycephalic Dogs?
Brachycephalic dogs require more specialised attention when it comes to preparing, performing, and recovering from an anaesthetic because of the above medical conditions.
Our Veterinary Surgeons and nurses are highly trained when it comes to planning, performing, and recovering a Brachycephalic dog from anaesthesia. We see these types of dogs regularly and have developed highly specialised protocols that mitigate some of the increased risks that come along with performing an anaesthetic on them.
Some of the increased risks that accompany Brachycephalic dogs when it comes to anaesthesia include:
Airway Obstruction - Most significant risk.
- Narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrowed trachea can collapse or block airflow, especially when muscles relax under anaesthesia.
- During recovery, airway swelling or tongue relaxation can completely obstruct breathing.
Difficult Intubation and Extubation - Small, abnormal airway structures make intubation technically harder.
- Extubation (removing the breathing tube) must be done very late, when the dog is fully alert and able to protect their airway.
Hypoxia (Low Blood Oxygen) - Airway restriction and shallow breathing can cause low oxygen saturation.
- Their CO₂ levels may rise quickly, leading to acidosis and cardiac stress.
Aspiration Pneumonia - Relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter increases the risk of vomiting or regurgitation.
- Combined with poor airway protection, this can lead to inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs.
Heat Stress/Hyperthermia - Brachycephalic dogs struggle to regulate heat due to compromised panting and airflow.
- Stress from hospital visits or surgery can trigger dangerous overheating.
Anaesthetic Drug Sensitivity - Brachycephalics may respond unpredictably to sedatives or anaesthetic agents.
- Over-sedation can relax airway structures and suppress breathing further.
Bradycardia or Cardiac Arrhythmias - Due to hypoxia (decreased oxygen levels in the blood), CO₂ buildup, or vagal stimulation during airway manipulation.
How do we mitigate these risks during anaesthesia at our hospital?
- Start antacid treatment 2-3 days prior to the procedure and continue 2-3 days after the procedure
- Your pet is often given sedative type medications to give on the morning of the procedure to relax them when coming into the hospital to reduce stress and demand on oxygen
- We will give your pet medication to reduce the risk of vomiting and to tighten the upper GIT sphincter to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. This will be done through an intravenous cannula
- Your pet will be pre oxygenated for at least 5 minutes prior to inducing them for surgery
- Your pet will be rapidly intubated upon induction to ensure airway patency
- Your pet will have full anaesthetic monitoring throughout the procedure to ensure we have adequate control of body temperature, fluid balance and oxygenation.
- Your pet will have their ET (endotracheal tube) left in place until they are almost fully awake to ensure your pet can breathe adequately in the recovery period. Our nurses are trained to stay with your pet until they are sure they can breathe and oxygenate on their own. If required, we will re-intubate your pet and supply oxygen if we feel they are not breathing adequately on their own accord during the recovery phase.
Why Choose Us?
Comprehensive
Services
From dog and cat vaccinations in the Inner West to emergency care, we cover all aspects of pet health.
Experienced
Team
Our highly skilled veterinarians bring decades of expertise in small animal medicine and surgery.
Convenient
Location
Serving Balmain, Inner West, Glebe, Pyrmont, and Haberfield, we’re easily accessible for all your pet care needs.
Compassionate
Care
We understand the bond between you and your pet and strive to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
