Bruce The French Bulldog’s Surgery

Meet Bruce, our 5 year old French Bulldog. Bruce is a cheeky little guy full of energy and plentiful amounts of love! Bruce has undergone surgery today to help him breathe more comfortably.

Have you noticed most French Bulldogs wheeze when they breathe? Or snore/ snort even when awake? This is a condition that affects most bulldogs and other breeds with Brachycephalic Syndrome (Short Head)

Unfortunately Frenchies have been cosmetically bred over the years resulting in a shortened head and compressed upper jaw thus have ended up with airways/ noses and throats that are seriously reduced in size. Most bulldog’s noses visually look like slits – this is called ‘Stenotic Nares’ This condition makes it very difficult for them to inhale enough oxygen. As a result of this dog will revert to mouth breathing which means they are likely to heavily pant and struggle to get enough oxygen. Over time if this is not treated this can develop into a secondary disorder that can cause small saccules on their larynx to turn inside out and block their throat.

As Bulldogs are increasingly becoming an ‘accessory’ as opposed to a family pet, owners are not educated in what is needed to correct this condition. Most cases will need to be assessed by a vet and then being booked for a correctional surgery. We would recommend doing this ASAP and having your pup assessed when being neutered to prevent severe conditions worsening over time. If you are considering a Frenchie please do your research! These beautiful pups need lots of care and the vet bills are extensive! Especially after the original outlay of your pup!