Laryngeal collapse in seven brachycephalic puppies

To document the histories, clinical findings, and management of seven puppies with laryngeal collapse occurring secondarily to brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Seven brachycephalic puppies aged between 4.5 and six months underwent surgery for management of brachycephalic airway syndrome following presentation for exercise intolerance and increased respiratory noise and effort.

Stenotic nares of varying severity and an elongated soft palate were common to all dogs. All dogs had tracheal hypoplasia and this was severe in four dogs. Laryngeal collapse was present in all dogs. Two dogs had stage I, four dogs stage II, and one dog stage III laryngeal collapse. The dog with stage III laryngeal collapse and one dog with stage II laryngeal collapse died. There was no apparent association between the changes evident on thoracic radiographs or the degree of tracheal hypoplasia and postoperative outcome.

The development of severe secondary laryngeal changes in dogs aged six months or less supports the suggestion that immature brachycephalic dogs should undergo assessment and, if indicated, surgery as soon as any clinical signs of BAS are apparent.