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*Veterinarians serving Clayton, Garner, and surrounding areas since 1986* |
My 12 week-old English Bulldog, Harley, makes a lot of noise when she breathes. It seems her nostrils are very narrow. Is this normal? Harley also snores when sleeping. Is this common in Bulldogs? |
Many short-nosed breeds (boxers, bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers) have breathing difficulties due to their strange anatomy. These dogs are referred to as brachycephalic breeds, and their breathing difficulties are caused by a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome. This syndrome consists of multiple anatomic and acquired abnormalities, including narrow nostrils. Narrow nostrils in a dog make it difficult for air to pass through the nasal passages, analogous to breathing through a straw. Snoring may be a result of a lengthy soft palate. The soft palate is the fold of tissue which separates the nasal and oral cavities. Snoring may be normal in any dog or human, but excessive snoring and difficulty breathing may indicate a problem. These abnormalities, if severe enough, can cause secondary changes to the windpipe (trachea) and the voice box (larynx). However, the nostrils and palate can be surgically corrected to help prevent these secondary changes. Since affected animals may pass these traits on to their offspring, it is advisable to spay or neuter affected animals. Brachycephalic breeds have even more difficulty breathing in hot weather and should not be left unattended for long. It is important to keep these breeds thin because obesity makes breathing difficult. If you are concerned your dog may have brachycephalic airway syndrome, ask your veterinarian. |