Pregled brahicefalne opstruktivne bolesti dišnih putova A Comprehensive Review of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Disease

Popularity of brachycephalic breeds of dogs is ever-increasing, which is somewhat surprising given the fact that the awareness of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and its many consequences is on the rise. The BOAS is a chronic, debilitating and progressive disease that starts early and shortens both the lifespan and health of these dogs. Although there is a strong genetic component to this condition, most brachycephalic dogs are not born having all these anatomical abnormalities. Rather, BOAS begins as stenotic nostril, continues with thickening of the nasal mucosa, followed by laryngeal softening and collapse, tracheal narrowing and bronchial collapse. Concurrently, other body systems also suffer, including the eyes, brain, skin, spine but most of all, the gastrointestinal system. The severity of BOAS can be greatly reduced through owner education, early detection of the condition and early treatment. This review article provides an overview of BOAS pathophysiology, clinical examination, grading scales, diagnosis and treatment of those patients. Dogs with BOAS share many common issues though this is still an individualised condition with many faces. Consequently, many different treatment options are described. Finally, prognostic factors and future trends are also discussed.