FRENCH BULLDOG NOSTRILS - RECOGNISE WHAT OPEN NOSTRILS SHOULD LOOK LIKE
Stenosis has been reported not only in the exterior nostrils which is easily seen, but also in the inner part of the nasal wing (alar folds). As a result, respiratory effort and open-mouth breathing are commonly seen in brachycephalic dogs.
Stenotic nares are considered a risk factor for BOAS, particularly in French bulldogs. French bulldogs with moderate-severe stenosis of nostrils are about 20 times more likely to develop BOAS. Corrective surgery to widen the nostrils is usually recommended for dogs with moderate and severe stenosis. We must strive to breed away from Frenchies with moderate or severe stenosis.
The degrees of nostril stenosis in brachycephalic breeds are defined as follows:
Open nostrils - wide opening.
Mild stenosis - Slight narrowing of the nostrils. When the dog is exercising, the nostril wings move dorso-laterally to open on inspiration.
Moderate stenosis - The dorsal part of the nostril wings touch the nasal septum and the nares are only open at the bottom of the nostrils. When the dog is exercising, the nostril wings are not able to move dorso-laterally and there may be nasal flaring (i.e. muscle contraction around the nose trying to enlarge the nostrils).
Severe stenosis - Nostrils are almost closed. The dog may switch to oral breathing from nasal breathing with very gentle exercise or stress.
Stenosis has been reported not only in the exterior nostrils which is easily seen, but also in the inner part of the nasal wing (alar folds). As a result, respiratory effort and open-mouth breathing are commonly seen in brachycephalic dogs.
Stenotic nares are considered a risk factor for BOAS, particularly in French bulldogs. French bulldogs with moderate-severe stenosis of nostrils are about 20 times more likely to develop BOAS. Corrective surgery to widen the nostrils is usually recommended for dogs with moderate and severe stenosis. We must strive to breed away from Frenchies with moderate or severe stenosis.
The degrees of nostril stenosis in brachycephalic breeds are defined as follows:
Open nostrils - wide opening.
Mild stenosis - Slight narrowing of the nostrils. When the dog is exercising, the nostril wings move dorso-laterally to open on inspiration.
Moderate stenosis - The dorsal part of the nostril wings touch the nasal septum and the nares are only open at the bottom of the nostrils. When the dog is exercising, the nostril wings are not able to move dorso-laterally and there may be nasal flaring (i.e. muscle contraction around the nose trying to enlarge the nostrils).
Severe stenosis - Nostrils are almost closed. The dog may switch to oral breathing from nasal breathing with very gentle exercise or stress.
