Age for nare surgery?

Ripley509 · Nov 16, 2017

Hi all! Ripley is scheduled to be spayed on Dec 1st (she'll be 6 months and 3 weeks) old. The vet said to save money, we could do nare surgery, which we'd been planning on doing at some time in the future, at the same time.

I'm wondering, after doing some research, if it might be better to wait until she's full grown. I'm concerned that if we correct her nares now, that as she continues to grow, they could potentially need to be corrected again.

Any thoughts on this?

*Editing to add* - she has no breathing problems. She's a little snorty and whistle-y through her nose, but no panting or mouth breathing or anything like that. Very playful and active (when she's not snoozing!).

Mavis · Nov 16, 2017

Sorry, I don't have any experience with this, although I would like Bambi's nares done. Does Ripley need to have them done? Do they appear tight/closed?

Good luck.

Ripley509 · Nov 16, 2017

Hi Mavis,

They are "tight", but not completely closed. She's never shown any signs of respiratory distress. The vet did mention though that it could help in the long run as some of those issues can develop with age, and that it was a fairly simple procedure, which is why we are doing it.

Curious though if I should let her nose finish growing first, if that makes sense.

This picture isn't very clear, but here's a close up of her nose.

Jess

Cbrugs · Nov 16, 2017

[MENTION=2]2bullymama[/MENTION] and [MENTION=600]Jakeyjake[/MENTION] have done the nares so they will have some insight.

Jax's nares are somewhat small but he has no breathing problems. His vet has never suggested getting them done either. I just wonder if it would be unnecessary for you to do it if she's having no issues. I am not saying your vet is like this, but there are vets out there who see a bulldog and will suggest all of the surgeries that can be needed for some of the common issues. I understand some dogs do need the surgery but I just think some vets out there will tell people their dogs need the surgery just to do it and not because it is actually needed.

2bullymama · Nov 16, 2017

I have been through it a few times.... Cheli has need it done a few times... 8 mths and 2 yrs and this year... he has a lot of apnea issues and ended up needing his tonsils out.

Lambeau , our Bulldog had his nares done at 16 weeks... our vet stated new studies showed addressing the nares at 16 weeks lessened the stress on the palate and heart/lungs which results in less palate surgeries in the group study. We can say it has worked for our big guy... nares done at 16 wks... no snoring, no breathing issues and no palate problems. Now, we have been with this vet for 13 years so I trust him with every bone in my body... you may want a second opinion if you have not been with the vet long.

Alice Kable · Nov 16, 2017

We have not had nares done on any of our 7 Bulldogs so I have no first hand experience. I do know that some vets want to "fix" everything about Bulldogs whether it is needed or not!

Ripley509 · Nov 17, 2017

Thanks all for your feedback!

Frances · Nov 23, 2017

My little gal is on day 10 of recovering from a spay & nares surgery combo. She is 6 mo old. Her nose was "ok" before.... but I am soooooo happy we did the surgery. I can tell her breathing is way better. The recovery (on her end) was great- no pain after the first day. The hardest thing has been keeping her calm; she normally gets a lot of exercise. But all in all I would totally do it again. And make sure your vet is experienced in this surgery. Her nose now is so open- even if it narrowed a little as she grows it would still be better than where it started!

Ripley509 · Nov 26, 2017

Frances said:
My little gal is on day 10 of recovering from a spay & nares surgery combo. She is 6 mo old. Her nose was "ok" before.... but I am soooooo happy we did the surgery. I can tell her breathing is way better. The recovery (on her end) was great- no pain after the first day. The hardest thing has been keeping her calm; she normally gets a lot of exercise. But all in all I would totally do it again. And make sure your vet is experienced in this surgery. Her nose now is so open- even if it narrowed a little as she grows it would still be better than where it started!

Thank you Frances!!! That's great to hear. We decided to do it, so she's having both done this Friday!