STAPHYLECTOMY IN PALATE EXTENSION AND DIODE LASER RHINOPLASTY FOR CORRECTION OF BRACHYCEPHALTIC SYNDROME IN FRENCH BULLDOG: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Brachycephalic syndrome is characterized by a set of abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract that affect dogs of certain breeds. Among the most affected breeds are the French Bulldog, Pugs. The syndrome is composed of primary and secondary anomalies. Among the primary causes, we can highlight stenosis of the nostrils, elongated soft palate, aberrant nasal turbinates, macroglossia and tracheal hypoplasia. These abnormalities lead to secondary alterations such as eversion of the laryngeal saccules, nasopharyngeal edema and inflammation, laryngeal paralysis and collapse, in addition to pulmonary hypertension. The combination of stenotypic nostrils and stretching of the soft palate leads to siltation of the upper airways and presents as characteristics chronic shortness of breath and consequent difficulty in exercising, tendency to overheat, increased and abnormal respiratory noise, low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to collapse. The objective of this work was to carry out a case study demonstrating the use of surgery to correct the elongated soft palate and stenosis of the nostrils in a brachycephalic dog that presented signs of dyspnea, snoring, exercise intolerance and choking. The animal underwent rhinoplasty and palatoplasty surgeries and showed significant improvements in clinical signs after surgery, demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the technique used for the surgical treatment of the syndrome, which provided more quality and greater life expectancy for the patient.