What Is Brachycephalic?
Dogs with flat (short or little to no snout), and wide-shaped heads are brachycephalic. The soft tissue in the nose and throat of brachycephalic dogs can be excessive for the airways, obstructing them and causing difficulty breathing (heavy panting or noisy breathing). The condition is commonly known as BOAS and is a progressive disorder that impairs a dog’s ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.
What is BOAS?
Respiratory Function Testing varies between countries and between breeds. It is most commonly performed on Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs.
UK Kennel Club operates the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs. The scheme advises owners on how affected their dog is and offers guidance on breeding risks. Dogs can be tested from 12 months of age.
These assessment results only last two years, so your dog will need repeat assessments every two years.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
Grade 0 – Your dog is clinically unaffected and free of signs of BOAS. For dogs under 2 years, it is suggested to keep up annual health checks with their vet as BOAS can develop in later life.
Grade 1 – Your dog is clinically unaffected but does show some respiratory noise. This doesn’t affect their exercise performance. Dogs under two should be monitored closely by their vet and assessed every two years as it can progress later in life.
Grade 2 – Your dog is Clinically affected and has moderate respiratory signs of BOAS. This needs monitoring and may need veterinary treatment.
Grade 3 – Your dog is clinically affected and has severe respiratory signs of BOAS and should be seen by your vet for a thorough veterinary examination and treatment. It’s not recommended to breed from your dog.
For breeding, it is recommended to only use dogs that have both been BOAS tested. Test results allow you to make informed decisions to help reduce the risk of any puppies developing the condition
Breeds Affected By BOAS:
- Boxer
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chow Chow
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- French Bulldog
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Griffon Belge
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa apso
- Maltese
- Pekingese
- Petit Brabançon
- Pug
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
