BOAS Surgery Wolverhampton
BOAS Surgery at Rock House Vets Wolverhampton
Rock House Vets is rapidly becoming the people’s choice for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Surgery. We are based in Wolverhampton, and regularly support dogs from the surrounding areas, while also welcoming owners who travel further afield for our experience in this field. We aim to provide BOAS surgery at fair, realistic prices without compromising on the standard of treatment, monitoring or aftercare your dog receives.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Across Wolverhampton and beyond, more owners are turning to Rock House Vets because of our hands-on knowledge of brachycephalic breeds and the breathing problems they can face. When choosing care for a flat-faced dog, working with a vet who understands the needs of a brachycephalic breed can make a real difference to both treatment planning and long-term comfort.
What our BOAS surgery involves
Every BOAS surgery patient is offered an X-ray as part of their assessment. This is an important step, as it helps us check for related or secondary problems such as aspiration pneumonia or a hiatal hernia before treatment goes ahead. Your dog’s procedure will be performed by a veterinary surgeon with strong experience in this area, so owners in Wolverhampton can feel reassured that their pet is in capable hands throughout.
Following surgery, each of our BOAS patients is supported closely by our head nurse, who stays involved during recovery to provide dedicated monitoring and attentive care. We also offer all BOAS patients an overnight stay, allowing for careful observation and extra peace of mind after their procedure.
Looking for trusted BOAS care in Wolverhampton?
Contact Rock House Vets to discuss your dog’s symptoms, treatment options and recovery support.
About the RFG assessor scheme
Heather, our Clinical Director, is also an RFG Assessor. This Kennel Club scheme is used to assess French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs to determine, firstly, whether they are affected by BOAS, and secondly, how serious the condition is and whether surgery may be beneficial.
For owners in Wolverhampton who want clearer guidance before making decisions about treatment or breeding, RFG grading can be a valuable step. We strongly recommend grading before breeding from these breeds, as it may help reduce the risk of passing this condition on to future puppies and support efforts to lessen the impact of this disease over time.
Why are only certain breeds affected by BOAS?
Breeds with short noses are more likely to develop BOAS because their skull structure is more compact than that of longer-nosed dogs. This shortened shape can lead to several physical abnormalities, affecting areas such as the nasal passages, spine and tail. In many brachycephalic breeds, there is simply too much soft tissue for the space available within the skull and airway.
This helps explain why brachycephalic dogs often have prominent skin folds around the face and body. Similar excess tissue can also be found internally, particularly around the airway, where it may contribute to breathing obstruction. As well as causing respiratory problems, these folds can sometimes lead to ongoing skin and dermatological issues that need careful management.
Is your dog struggling with noisy breathing and poor sleep?
Our Wolverhampton team is here to help. Speak to Rock House Vets about BOAS surgery, assessment and ongoing care.
BOAS FAQs
What is BOAS in dogs, and when is BOAS surgery needed?
BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. It affects flat-faced dogs whose airways are too restricted for them to breathe as comfortably as they should. BOAS surgery may be advised when a dog is struggling with noisy breathing, poor exercise tolerance, disturbed sleep, overheating, gagging, or signs that normal day-to-day activity is becoming harder. The aim is to improve airflow and help your dog breathe more easily, with assessment and treatment available here in Wolverhampton.
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What symptoms can suggest my dog may need BOAS surgery?
Common signs include loud or constant snoring, noisy breathing when awake, heavy panting, tiring quickly on walks, struggling in warm weather, interrupted sleep, gagging, retching, or seeming distressed after excitement or exercise. Some dogs also show difficulty eating comfortably. If you are noticing these signs in a French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug or another flat-faced breed, it is sensible to arrange an assessment.
Which breeds are most affected by BOAS?
BOAS is most commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds, especially French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs. Other flat-faced breeds can also be affected. Because airway space is already limited in these dogs, excess weight can make the problem worse and place more strain on breathing.
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Can BOAS get worse over time?
Yes, it can. BOAS is often progressive, which means the effects may become more noticeable as a dog gets older or if they gain weight. Dogs may start with snoring or noisy breathing, then go on to struggle more with exercise, heat, sleep, or recovery after activity. Early assessment can help identify whether treatment is likely to improve comfort and quality of life before symptoms become more limiting.
Are your vets experienced in BOAS assessment and treatment?
Rock House Vets has strong experience in BOAS care. Heather, our Clinical Director, is also an RFG Assessor, which means owners can come to us for experienced assessment and guidance when deciding whether BOAS surgery is the right step for their dog. For owners looking for BOAS assessment in Wolverhampton, this means access to a team with a strong interest in this area of care.
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What does BOAS surgery involve?
BOAS surgery is carried out to improve airflow through the upper airway. This commonly involves widening narrow nostrils and shortening an overlong soft palate. In some dogs, treatment may also include addressing everted laryngeal saccules or enlarged tonsils where needed. At Rock House Vets in Wolverhampton, BOAS surgery patients are also offered X-rays as part of their assessment to check for related concerns such as aspiration pneumonia or a hiatal hernia.
How successful is BOAS surgery?
Many dogs show a clear improvement after BOAS surgery. Owners often notice easier breathing, less effort when exercising, quieter sleep, and better comfort when eating and resting. The level of improvement varies from dog to dog and depends on their anatomy, weight and how advanced the condition is at the time of treatment.
What is recovery like after BOAS surgery?
Recovery is commonly around one to two weeks, although this can vary depending on the dog and the severity of their airway changes. Dogs are monitored closely after surgery, and we provide overnight care along with dedicated nurse support during recovery. Activity should be kept calm at first, and you will be given guidance on feeding, rest and home care while healing is underway. You can also read more about our wider surgical care here at Rock House Vets in Wolverhampton.
Do you offer BOAS surgery in Wolverhampton for dogs from the wider West Midlands?
Yes. Rock House Vets is based in Wolverhampton and welcomes BOAS patients from surrounding areas, including Bushbury, Bilston, Blakenhall, East Park, Ettingshall, Fallings Park, Graiseley, Heath Town, Merry Hill, Oxley, Penn, Spring Vale, St Peter’s, Tettenhall, and Wednesfield.
Our professional reputation expands across the West Midlands, with patients travelling to us from Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Dudley, Kingswinford and Stourbridge. Sandwell, Wednesbury and West Bromwich. Walsall and Willenhall.
And also as far out as Warwickshire, Lichfield, and Stratford-upon-Avon; Worcestershire, Bromsgrove and Redditch. Bridgnorth, Cannock, Coventry, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Stafford and Telford.
If you are looking for BOAS surgery in Wolverhampton and want your dog assessed by an experienced team, we are happy to help. Contact Rock House Vets in Wolverhampton.