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13 February 2023

Respiratory / Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Health and welfare of Brachycephalic dogs

Respiratory / Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) Published 10 February 2023 | Updated 4 June 2025 The term Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome relates to the respiratory distress caused as a result of the anatomical changes caused by selective breeding for extreme brachycephalic skull conformation , which leads to compression of the nasal and nasopharyngeal passages. This may be accompanied by mucosal hypoplasia and secondary airway collapse leading to multilevel obstruction and increasing the susceptibility of these breeds to heatstroke Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) Updated 4 June 2025 Susceptibility to heatstroke Updated 1 December 2023 Online full-text available to Library members A range of library membership packages is available and MRCVS vets and RVNs can join the library for a heavily subsidised, annual fee.