Brachycephalic Dogs and Laser Elongated Soft Palate Surgery

Elongated soft palate is a very common abnormality found in brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic breeds include Boston terrier, boxer, bulldog, Pekingese, pug, Rottweiler, and shih tzu. ^[1] Other abnormalities found in brachycephalic dogs include stenotic nares, everted laryngeal saccules and laryngeal collapse.^[2]

Some common symptoms of elongated soft palate include breathing difficulties, snoring, stridor, snorting, gagging, etc. Depending on the severity, the dog may be unwilling to exercise and may even develop a complete collapse of the airway. It is important to treat these symptoms early: if pet owners wait too long, the elongated soft palate may contribute to the development of secondary problems and the corrective surgery may be less effective.^[2]

Example of Elongated Soft Palate Breathing

The elongated soft palate in this Boston terrier caused breathing problems.  This video was taken using a video vetscope by Louis Gotthelf, DVM of Montgomery, AL.

After Elongated Soft Palate CO₂ Laser Surgery

The redundant tissue was excised using a CO₂ laser.  This video by Louis Gotthelf, DVM shows how the dog’s ability to inhale and exhale has greatly improved.

Elongated Soft Palate CO₂ Laser Surgery as Seen on Animal Planet

Dee Thornell, DVM, performs soft palate repair on a dog using an Aesculight veterinary surgical laser. During the video clip, Dr. Dee notes the laser’s ability to cauterize and cut simultaneously, helping to reduce bleeding.

Conclusion

The use of a veterinary surgical CO₂ laser decreased pain, inflammation and greatly reduced hemorrhage. The use of a CO₂ laser to correct elongated soft palates, stenotic nares, and to perform other soft-tissue orofacial procedures offers many benefits over conventional methods such as scalpels, scissors or electrosurgical units.^[2]

 

References:

1. Packer R, Hendricks A, Tivers M, Burn C. Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. PLoS One. 2015; 10(10): e0137496.
2. Arza R. Elongated soft palate resection with a CO₂ surgical laser. Veterinary Practice News. 2015;10:32-33.

Further Reading:

• Comparative use of CO₂ laser, diode laser and monopolar electrocautery for resection of the soft palate in dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome
• Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser and conventional incisional techniques for resection of soft palates in brachycephalic dogs
• Elongated soft palate resection with a flexible fiber CO₂ laser
• CO₂ Laser Allows Bloodless Repair of Stenotic Nares
• Soft tissue oral surgeries by CO₂ laser