Soft Palate/Nare Surgery

[nycbullymama]

Hi everyone - first time poster here.

Last night, my hubs and I were walking our bulldogs when we ran into our neighbor who we're very friendly with.
My hubs was running around in the snow, playing with our bullies so he took the frenchies lead and all 3 dogs ran around.

Later that night, he told me the frenchie started panting, and breathing very hard from the short run. Our bulldogs, who had the surgery done, don't pant anymore. At least not on short runs or even on a 3 mile hike we did recently.
It was pretty cold out, and he's so young (9 months) that it was very surprising to hear.

Is this common among french bulldogs? I know that with English Bulldogs it's "normal" and both of mine had their palate and nares done. But I don't know about frenchies, and I'm not sure if I should even mention it to him. But if it's something that's done, I want to let him know because I know he does everything he can to keep his pup healthy.

Should I mention it? Should I not? Is the surgery common, is not?? I'm clueless here...

 

[turbodave]

Stupid question, what's nares?

 

[nycbullymama]

Stupid question, what's nares?

Nostrils.
Vets call them Nares.
Stenotic Nares are when the nostrils look narrow or pinched. It makes it more difficult to breath.

 

[2bullymama]

Yes, it is common in Frenchies, as well, any brachycephalic breed this will be common with. My boy, Cheli had his nares, palate, and succels all done and actually had to have the palate done a second time (bad momma) due to scaring from allowing him to bark. Cheli was done at 2 yrs of age, which is the best age for the palate.... nares being done is better earlier age 4-8 months as it helps lessen the impacted on the palate.

 

[nycbullymama]

Yes, it is common in Frenchies, as well, any brachycephalic breed this will be common with. My boy, Cheli had his nares, palate, and succels all done and actually had to have the palate done a second time (bad momma) due to scaring from allowing him to bark. Cheli was done at 2 yrs of age, which is the best age for the palate.... nares being done is better earlier age 4-8 months as it helps lessen the impacted on the palate.

Hiya!

I know Cheli had it done, just wasn't sure if it was common or not for frenchies.

Ya think I should mention it to him?

 

[2bullymama]

Hiya!

I know Cheli had it done, just wasn't sure if it was common or not for frenchies.

Ya think I should mention it to him?

Definitely mention it to him.... it is just as common in Frenchie's as it is in Bulldogs

 

[nycbullymama]

Thanks, Christine.

Gonna mention it to him and tell him to speak with our vet about it (we have the same vet).

 

[sah006]

We had Nacho's soft palate taken care when we had him neutered. It made the world of difference! My poor little Nacho had 4 inches of his soft palate removed! He wasn't able to run around or play and he vomited at least 4 times (sometimes more) a day! From what the vet told me it is very common in Frenchies too! I would definitely mention the surgery!

 

[davidh]

Yes as others have said, it is a common thing, and I would mention it to him.

 

[nycbullymama]

wow.. poor little guy. glad to hear it made a huge difference.

 

[Fosta Mama]

I have had a few of my foster Frenchies have this surgery. Pinched nostrils (stenotic nares) are easy to spot, but you really can't properly inspect the soft palate unless the dog is anesthetized.

I always opt for a board-certified surgeon to trim the soft palate, and have them monitor the dog overnight at a 24-hr hospital. There is a risk of swelling of the airway and aspiration, and I have heard of several dogs that passed away following the surgery. All of mine have done well.

Soft palate surgery is not something to take lightly, and it is important to have a skilled vet do it. There is also a debate over which method is better.... scapel vs laser. I have had dogs done both ways, and personally I really didn't notice a difference in their recoveries.

 

[nycbullymama]

Thanks for the info. everyone.

I'll talk with him about it next time we see him.

 

[nycbullymama]

[MENTION=1072]Fosta Mama[/MENTION] I had my bulldogs nares and palate done at the Animal Medical Center in NYC by Dr. Pamela Schwartz Pam Schwartz, DVM, DACVS, CCRP | Animal Medical Center (she's board certified).
They had it done with a laser.

Is there a vet recommendation thread on this forum? I'd add her. She's really amazing, and the hospital (which is actually a research hospital) is one of the best in the country.

 

[Jakeyjake]

I agree, I don't think there is any harm in mentioning it and then they can discuss with your vet.

 

[Fosta Mama]

[MENTION=1072]Fosta Mama[/MENTION] I had my bulldogs nares and palate done at the Animal Medical Center in NYC by Dr. Pamela Schwartz Pam Schwartz, DVM, DACVS, CCRP | Animal Medical Center (she's board certified).
They had it done with a laser.

Is there a vet recommendation thread on this forum? I'd add her. She's really amazing, and the hospital (which is actually a research hospital) is one of the best in the country.

She sounds like a great vet and the hospital sounds topnotch! I believe there's a sticky under Your French Bulldog's Health regarding vet recommendations, where you can list her.