Brachycephalic Anaesthetic Care

What does "brachycephalic" mean?

Brachy means shortened and cephalic means head. Therefore, brachycephalic dogs have skull bones that are shortened in length, giving the face and nose a pushed in appearance. Due to the shorter bones of the face and nose, the anatomy and relationship with the other soft tissue structures are altered; some of these changes can cause physical problems for the affected dog.

These breeds include:

• Pugs
• French / English / Australian Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Other dogs with short noses due to being bred with the above listed breeds

Due to their conformation (narrowed nostrils, additional soft tissue at the back of the throat, long soft palates, narrowed windpipes) they have a much higher risk of anaesthetic complications than dogs with a normal long nose. Additionally, Bulldogs (particularly French Bulldogs) and more prone to having high negative pressure in the upper airway, which triggers vomiting, retching, gagging, regurgitation and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. 



At Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital, we have modified our anaesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dog breeds, to increase their anaesthetic safety: 

• Pre-anaesthetic oxygenation and extended post-anaesthetic oxygenation in recovery.
• Intensive and prolonged monitoring before and during anaesthetic, through to the recovery period.
• Additional positioning aids and professional care to reduce risk of aspiration pneumonia.
• Additional medications to assist with blood pressure and heart rate as required.

The above measures require increased medications, time and nursing requirements, therefore the Bracycephalic Anaesthetic Care Fee allows us to provide this care.

Please be aware that, despite all the above measures, some patients may still experience anaesthetic complications beyond our control.