Is your dog struggling with respiratory problems? Or maybe there is more breathing and panting than normal? A-Vet now offers BOAS grading based on the Norwegian Kennel Club's screening program.
What is BOAS grading?
Brachocephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition that we unfortunately often find in some dog breeds with short snouts. In these dogs, the skull and muzzle will be shorter than in others. This often creates a narrower and more impaired air passage through the upper airways; the result is everything from snoring sounds in the dog to loss of consciousness. In order to breed healthy dogs, an objective assessment of whether the dog suffers from BOAS - and how severe the case is - is needed. NKK now offers its own grading system that aims to confirm and improve the health status of the animals.
What are the symptoms of BOAS?
The severity of the disorder varies. Some dogs will barely notice it, while others will have a greatly reduced quality of life. Wondering if your dog suffers from BOAS? The following health problems can be symptoms:
- Snoring and wheezing sounds when a dog breathes
- Tight nostrils
- Vomiting
- Breathing problems during sleep; some dogs sleep with their head up, or may stop breathing several times during a sleep period
- Overheating in hot weather
- Reduced exercise ability
- Seizures and loss of consciousness
Which dog breeds can get the BOAS rating?
The BOAS grading programme applies to dogs of the Pug, English Bulldog and French Bulldog breeds. The dog must be over 18 months of age. The BOAS certificate is valid for 2 years.
Who can grant BOAS grading?
Not all veterinary clinics can give approved BOAS grading. Only veterinarians who have participated in NKK's course in BOAS grading are allowed to write NKK-BOAS certificates, as well as register this in DogWeb.
At A-Vet, veterinarian Elisabeth Bjørnestad is approved to give BOAS grading.
Elisabeth is a veterinarian and certified ophthalmologist specialising in eye surgery, with further training in internal medicine, general surgery, oral surgery and ultrasound from the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies in Toulouse.
