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We Treat Pets Like Family

Veterinary Services for Brachycephalics

Veterinary Services for Brachycephalics

Brachycephalic dogs (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus) require specialised veterinary care due to their unique anatomical challenges.

Below is a list of essential veterinary services we offer to help manage their health problems:

Brachycephalic dogs (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus) require specialised veterinary care due to their unique anatomical challenges.

Below is a list of essential veterinary services we offer to help manage their health problems:

Respiratory Care

  • Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Evaluation – Assessing breathing difficulties and airway obstructions.
  • Oxygen Therapy – Used in emergencies or severe cases of respiratory distress.
  • BOAS Corrective Surgery – Procedures such as
    • Stenotic nares surgery (widening nostrils)
    • Soft palate resection (shortening and thinning elongated soft palate)
    • Tonsillectomy
    • Laryngeal sacculectomy
    • Laryngeal collapse management

Heat Intolerance & Emergency Care

  • Heatstroke Emergency Treatment – Includes IV fluids, cooling therapy, and oxygen support.
  • Preventive Cooling Strategies – Advising owners on managing heat intolerance.
  • Hydration Therapy – IV or subcutaneous fluids for dehydrated pets.

Eye Care Services

  • Corneal Ulcer Treatment – Medications or surgery for severe cases.
  • Cherry Eye Surgery – Repairing prolapsed tear glands.
  • Entropion Surgery – Correcting inward-rolling eyelids.
  • Tear Production Testing (Schirmer Test) – Diagnosing dry eye conditions.

Dental & Oral Care

  • Professional Dental Cleaning – Reducing risk of gum disease and infection.
  • Tooth Extraction & Orthodontic Evaluations – Managing overcrowded or misaligned teeth.
  • At-Home Dental Care Guidance – Recommendations on tooth brushing, dental chews, and prescription diets.

Dermatology & Skin Fold Care

  • Skin Fold Infections – Medications for yeast or bacterial infections.
  • Surgical Skin Fold Reduction – For severe infections or irritation.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Hemivertebrae – Radiographic assessment and medical management
  • Luxating patellas – Surgical correction
  • Hip dysplasia – Precise assessment using PennHIP radiographic screening. Comprehensive management plans
  • Screw tail – Assessment of bone and skin portions. Caudectomy (tail removal) where indicated

Weight & Nutrition Management

  • Obesity Prevention Plans – Customized diets and exercise recommendations.
  • Specialised Diet Plans – Prescription food for skin, digestion, and respiratory health.

Anaesthesia & Surgical Precautions

  • Specialised Anaesthesia – Pre anaesthetic risk reduction medication, stress minimisation, airway assessment, post anaesthesia oxygen support
  • Monitoring – Ensuring safe anesthesia for high-risk breeds.

Brachycephalic dogs require extra veterinary attention, but with proper care, they can live comfortable, happy lives. Regular vet visits and proactive management of their unique health challenges are essential. 

My Family Vet is a “brachy-friendly” clinic, and we understand the special requirements of these adorable dogs.