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Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs and cats: causes, symptoms, and how ABTVet silicone stents improve their breathing

  • Writer:  María Victoria Bignu
    María Victoria Bignu
  • Sep 5
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 10


Brachycephalic dog breeds: pug, english bulldog, boston terrier, french bulldog, persian car, lhasa apso, shar pei and pekingese
Brachycephalic dog breeds

Most affected brachycephalic breeds


If you have any of these breeds:


  1. English Bulldog

  2. Boston Terrier

  3. French Bulldog

  4. Pekingese

  5. Pug

  6. Persian Cat

  7. Lhasa Apso

  8. Shar Pei


You have probably said at some point, ‘My dog sounds like a pig’ or ‘My dog sounds like a little piggy’.


Let me tell you that this is not cute or normal, but rather that your dog is a brachycephalic dog.


What is brachycephalic syndrome and why does it affect so many popular breeds?


Brachycephalic syndrome is a set of physical abnormalities in breeds of dogs and cats with flat snouts that causes obstruction of the upper airways.

It manifests itself as:


  • Difficulty breathing

  • Snoring

  • Intolerance to exercise

  • Fainting or syncope


Without veterinary care, it seriously compromises the animal's well-being and quality of life.


Most common abnormalities of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs and cats


  • Nostril stenosis: i.e., very small nostrils.

  • Elongation of the soft palate: the velum is so long that its end protrudes into the airway and hinders airflow. This is the most common anomaly found in brachycephalic dogs.

  • Laryngeal collapse: the rigidity and support provided by the laryngeal cartilage is lost, causing the larynx to fold and collapse.

  • Tracheal hypoplasia.

  • Pharyngeal hyperplasia.

  • Aberrant nasal turbinates: the nasal mucosal folds are exuberant and make it difficult for air to enter.


All these problems increase resistance to inspired air, causing snoring and noises similar to those made by a pig, as well as vomiting, regurgitation and respiratory crises.


Difference between brachycephalic dogs and dogs with normal snouts

Difference between dogs with ‘normal’ snouts (dolichocephalic) and brachycephalic dogs
Difference between dogs with ‘normal’ snouts (dolichocephalic) and brachycephalic dogs

While a dolichocephalic (long-snouted) dog breathes effortlessly, brachycephalic dogs face a chronic anatomical limitation.


It should be emphasised that the onset of continuous snoring or breathing difficulties during minor exertion should never be considered normal (even in brachycephalic dogs), as these conditions greatly compromise the animals' well-being.


Treatment for respiratory disorders associated with brachycephalic syndrome is usually surgical.


However, there is a non-invasive solution.


Why are silicone stents the best solution for brachycephalic dogs?


Silicone stent for brachycephalic dogs
Silicone stent for brachycephalic dogs

Silicone stents are flexible, biocompatible, and safe endoprostheses used in veterinary medicine to keep the airways open. In brachycephalic dogs—a breed prone to laryngeal collapse or tracheal collapse due to their anatomy.


The placement of a tracheal or laryngeal stent restores airway patency in patients with brachycephalic syndrome, significantly improving their quality of life.


According to the veterinarian's assessment, stents can be adapted to different locations and degrees of obstruction, providing a personalised alternative for each case.


In this context, ABTVet silicone stents stand out for their advanced design, high compatibility, and excellent clinical performance, making them the best option for treating respiratory collapse in brachycephalic dogs.


Advantages of silicone stents for brachycephalic dogs


  • Completely safe and biocompatible

  • Adapted to veterinary anatomy

  • Removable and no risk of fracture or rejection

  • Minimally invasive placement

  • Suitable for use in any clinic, without the need for specific instruments or advanced surgical training

  • Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes

  • Radiopaque and easily visible in imaging studies



Success stories with silicone stents


ABTVet silicone stents have a solid clinical track record, backed by numerous success stories in the treatment of respiratory complications associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Among them are notable cases such as that of Carlino in Mexico, successfully treated by Dr. Lara Montero, and the cases handled by Dr. Federico Licciardo  in Argentina, which demonstrate the effectiveness of these devices in complex situations.


‘I am amazed by silicone stents. They are easy to insert and require few instruments. It is a non-invasive procedure that, above all, immediately improves our patients' quality of life.’ Dr. Lara Montero

What should you do if your dog is brachycephalic?


If your dog or cat belongs to one of the brachycephalic breeds mentioned above and you have noticed snoring, difficulty breathing or sounds similar to those of a piglet:


Do not ignore it.

Do not normalise it.

Consult your vet.

It is not cute and, above all, it is not harmless.


Brachycephalic syndrome is a serious condition that compromises your pet's well-being and quality of life.


Today you know of an effective, safe and minimally invasive alternative: ABTvet silicone stents.


ABTVet silicone stents: a safe, effective and minimally invasive solution


Don't wait until it's an emergency. Your four-legged companion deserves to breathe easily, play without getting exhausted, and live without pain.


Discover more success stories on our website and social media.



 
 
 

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