Anesthesia is a large risk for brachycephalic dogs, as most drugs cause relaxation of the upper respiratory track leading to severe dyspnea (Koch). When the dog is under anesthesia, examination and confirmation of an elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules yield a diagnosis. The elongated soft palate has been seen to range from extending past the tip of the epiglottis to extending into opening of the larynx. Generally the tip of the soft palate and the edges of the larynx show signs of inflammation (ACVS). Radiographs of the chest to check for secondary changes to the lungs and to diagnose the hypoplastic trachea can also be a diagnostic tool (Koch). Stenotic nares are often diagnosed during a general physical exam
Anesthesia is a large risk for brachycephalic dogs, as most drugs cause relaxation of the upper respiratory track leading to severe dyspnea (Koch). When the dog is under anesthesia, examination and confirmation of an elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules yield a diagnosis. The elongated soft palate has been seen to range from extending past the tip of the epiglottis to extending into opening of the larynx. Generally the tip of the soft palate and the edges of the larynx show signs of inflammation (ACVS). Radiographs of the chest to check for secondary changes to the lungs and to diagnose the hypoplastic trachea can also be a diagnostic tool (Koch). Stenotic nares are often diagnosed during a general physical exam