Have you ever seen your bulldog stop playing suddenly, eyes wide, chest heaving, and struggling for breath? It’s a sight that makes your heart ache. Those heavy snorts, restless nights, and quick fatigue are not all just part of their cute charm: they are warning signs of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) to look out for.
BOAS happens when a dog’s head and airway shape make it harder for them to breathe. Over time, it can impact their comfort, health, and even lifespan.
This brings us to the concern of treatment options.
When BOAS is severe, surgery is more than just a survival option: it’s a lifeline. However, not all surgical procedures are the same. In veterinary terms, a 5/5 BOAS surgery addresses all five major airway blockages in one single operation.
So, what does the surgery typically involve? How do you decide if it’s the right choice for your patient or your pet? In this article, we’ll break it down step by step.
What Does 5/5 BOAS Surgery Include?
A 5/5 BOAS surgery usually includes:
- Stenotic nares repair (opening the nostrils)
- Soft palate resection
- Laryngeal saccule removal
- Tonsillectomy (if obstructing)
- Any extra airway widening as necessary
This method does not just focus on one or two problem areas. It aims for the best airway improvement in a single surgery. For vets, this means a longer surgical session and a better long-term result. For dog owners, it means fewer repeat surgeries later on.
But before you make your decision, there’s always this one big question in every dog owner’s mind: What will it cost, and is the surgery even worth it? Let’s discuss it.
5/5 BOAS Surgery Cost: Is It Worth the Investment?
The cost of 5/5 BOAS surgery can differ based on location, the veterinary hospital’s location, and the overall health condition of your dog.
On average, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $45000 in the US. Some specialized clinics may charge even more.
It is a part of a larger discussion for the veterinarians. They need to balance the client’s budget with the urgency of the procedure. But for dog lovers, it is not only about the cost. It’s more about the dog’s health and quality of life after getting the surgical treatment for BOAS.
Of course, the price tag is just one side of the story. What really matters is how well and how quickly your dog heals after surgery.
5/5 BOAS Surgery Recovery and Healing Time
The recovery time for a 5/5 BOAS surgery depends on your dog’s age, health, and the severity of their BOAS. Most dogs stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. The post-surgical swelling may last up to 2 weeks. You can resume light activity after 2-3 weeks, but full recovery may take 6-8 weeks.
Pet owners are often worried about their dogs being in pain. With proper pain relief medicines and careful monitoring, the discomfort is minimal. However, you need to watch out for breathing issues after the surgery.
Now that we know the recovery timeline, let’s weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice.
5/5 BOAS Surgery Pros and Cons
Are you thinking about 5/5 BOAS surgery for your dog? It’s a significant decision, and like any other procedure, it has both benefits and risks.
Before making the choice, consider the potential for easier breathing and a better quality of life. So, what should you keep in mind? Let’s break that down.
Pros:
- Significant breathing improvement
- Reduced risk of heatstroke
- Longer, more active life.
- One surgery instead of multiple smaller ones
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Longer anesthesia time
- Potential for complications, including swelling or anesthesia
- Minor relief in complex cases
For many vets, discussing the pros and cons of 5/5 BOAS surgery is critical. However, as a pet owner, it’s important to understand the risks while recognizing the potential for a much happier and healthier dog.
If you’re still unsure, the success rates of the surgery might give you the reassurance you need.
5/5 BOAS Surgery Success Rate
The 5/5 BOAS surgery success rate in dogs is encouraging. Thanks to experienced surgeons, over 90 percent of dogs show improvement in their breathing and quality of life. Some of the dogs become more interested in playful activities they hadn’t been interested in before.
For veterinary professionals, these results represent more than just numbers. They tell powerful stories to share with clients. Highlighting real-life success cases can help pet owners see the benefits of timely intervention and encourage them to opt for surgery before their pet’s condition worsens.
These positive surgical outcomes also provide great marketing opportunities for vets to educate veterinary professionals and improve patient care. One effective way to vets to learn is through free sponsored webinars on BOAS treatment.
Learning from specialists who perform these surgeries often can improve decision-making skills and give vets the confidence to recommend the proper treatment at the right time.
With such strong success rates and clear benefits, the real question isn’t if 5/5 BOAS surgery works; it’s how soon you’re ready to take the next step.
Final Thoughts:
If your dog is struggling with BOAS, stalling the treatment can worsen the condition at times. Breathing becomes more difficult, and the energy levels of dogs decline. A 5/5 Boas surgery can improve outcomes. It helps your dog to breathe easily, enjoy exercise again, and live comfortably.
BOAS surgery is an efficient solution as it tackles the root cause, not only the symptoms. For dog lovers, it is more than just a procedure. It’s seeing your pet run without gasping, sleep without snoring, and approach life with fresh energy.
For veterinarians, it is important not only to perform the surgery, but also to know when to recommend it so they can guide pet owners through the decision. And here’s the bigger picture: the 5/5 BOAS surgery isn’t just about fixing airways; it’s about giving dogs a second chance at a full, active life.
For veterinary professionals looking to sharpen their expertise, this free sponsored webinar on evaluating BOAS in Dogs in General Practice is a valuable opportunity to learn from experts, stay ahead in airway care solutions, and deliver the best possible outcomes for your patients.
Say goodbye to the breathing problems and hello to the happy tail wags.
FAQs
Q: What is 5/5 BOAS surgery?
A 5/5 BOAS surgery refers to a top-rated surgical outcome for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. It means the procedure achieved the highest possible score in improving a dog’s breathing.
Q: When is 5/5 BOAS surgery recommended?
A 5/5 BOAS surgery is usually recommended for moderate to severe cases where multiple airway structures, like the nostrils, soft palate, and laryngeal area, are blocked. These dogs often have significant breathing problems, noisy respiration, and reduced activity levels. Surgery at this stage can prevent further airway collapse and long-term issues.
Q: What are the benefits of 5/5 BOAS surgery?
The procedure can significantly improve a dog’s breathing. It reduces effort and noise during respiration. Many dogs snore less, tolerate heat and exercise better, and enjoy an overall better quality of life. For owners, it often means the difference between managing symptoms and watching their pet thrive again.
Q: Can dogs bark after BOAS surgery?
Yes, most dogs can still bark after surgery. However, their bark may sound a bit different because the airway’s shape and tissue have changed. This change is usually small and does not affect their ability to communicate or express themselves.
Q: Does insurance cover BOAS surgery?
Some pet insurance providers cover BOAS surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary. However, coverage can vary based on your plan and whether BOAS is viewed as a pre-existing condition. Always check with your provider to confirm eligibility before moving forward.
