ABSTRACT
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a group of primary and secondary abnormalities that result in upper airway obstruction. Several of these abnormalities can be addressed medically and/or surgically to improve quality of life. This article reviews potential complications, anesthetic considerations, recovery strategies, and outcomes associated with medical and surgical management of BAS.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction/veterinary , Cat Diseases/therapy , Craniosynostoses/veterinary , Dog Diseases/therapy , Respiratory System Abnormalities/veterinary , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Airway Obstruction/therapy , Animals , Cat Diseases/surgery , Cats , Craniosynostoses/surgery , Craniosynostoses/therapy , Dog Diseases/surgery , Dogs , Postoperative Complications/veterinary , Respiratory System Abnormalities/surgery , Respiratory System Abnormalities/therapy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a group of abnormalities that result in upper airway obstruction. Primary malformations include stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and hypoplastic trachea, which cause an increase in negative pressure within the upper airways that can eventually lead to secondary abnormalities such as everted laryngeal saccules, everted tonsils, and laryngeal and tracheal collapse. Abnormal nasopharyngeal turbinates are also encountered, but have not been classified as primary or secondary. BAS is readily diagnosed, and quality of life is improved with appropriate medical and/or surgical management.
