How Much Is Nasal Surgery for Pug

Although pugs’ unique snouts and wrinkled cheeks make them charming, the dog breed occasionally has health problems that necessitate surgical correction. An essential operation for bettering the quality of life of brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs is nasal surgery, which is frequently done to fix respiratory problems in these dogs.

You probably have a lot of questions regarding the price tag if you’re a pug owner thinking about getting this procedure done. How much does nasal surgery for pugs often cost? We’ll break it down for you, give you an idea of what to expect, and offer advice on how to give your pet the best care possible. If you or a loved one is considering nasal surgery for your pug, whether out of concern for your pet’s health or pure curiosity, this guide will walk you through the process.

Do you know what enlarging nasal openings are?

When brachycephalic dog breeds have stenotic nares, often known as narrow nostrils, a surgical treatment that is utilized to correct the condition is called nasal opening enlargement. One of the symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome, which is a disorder that causes obstruction of the upper airway, is stenotic nares. This condition is common in breeds such as the Boston terrier, Pug, and Bulldog. A abnormality of the alar folds, which are responsible for the development of the nostrils, can lead to stenotic nares. Three cartilages are responsible for the formation of the external nares. These cartilages include the accessory cartilage, the ventral parietal cartilage, and the dorsal parietal cartilage. During respiration, the alar folds, which are the fleshy, lateral borders of the nostrils, compress inward and into the nasal cavity. When the alar folds compress further than is necessary, a condition known as stenotic nares occurs. This condition causes the nose to completely and temporarily close.

How Much Is Nasal Surgery for Pug

The cost of an enlarging nasal opening surgery in dogs will run between $200 and $1,000. The price of your dog’s correctional procedure depends on the severity of the malformation and the procedure used. Some veterinarians will use a laser instead of a scalpel blade, which will raise the price tag.

The cost of entropion surgery for dogs can range anywhere between $300 and $2,000. Many factors can affect what the ultimate cost comes out to, such as your location and your dog’s health condition, so it’s important to check with your dog’s vet on what you will be charged for before agreeing to the surgery.

Enlarging the nasal openings is a surgical procedure used to correct stenotic nares (narrow nostrils) in brachycephalic dog breeds. Stenotic nares is a component of brachycephalic syndrome, an upper airway obstruction disorder seen in breeds like the Boston terrier, Pug or Bulldog. Stenotic nares results from a malformation of the alar folds that form the nostrils. The external nares is made up of three cartilages: The accessory cartilage, the ventral parietal cartilage, and the dorsal parietal cartilage. The alar folds are the fleshy, lateral borders of the nostrils that collapse inward upon respiration. In the case of stenotic nares, the alar folds collapse farther than needed, resulting in complete temporary closure of the nostril. 

To fix stenotic nares, surgery is needed. A veterinarian or veterinary otorhinolaryngology specialist does this by removing the extra tissue wedge from the alar fold.

Enlarging Nasal Openings Procedure in Dogs

The dog will need to fast (no food or water) the night before surgery and the day of surgery. Prior to anesthesia, the dog’s blood will often be tested to ensure his/her organs are functioning properly and signs of undiagnosed diseases are absent from the blood work. As some bleeding is always expected in a surgery, the veterinarian may perform a coagulation test or test to ensure the dog has enough clotting factors (platelets) in the blood. 

1. An IV catheter is placed 
2. A pre-anesthetic, pain medication, and antibiotic are injected to the dog. 
3. The dog will be feeling drowsy from the pre-anesthetic/sedative. 
4. The dog will be placed under general anaesthetic and intubated.
5. The dog is placed in ventral recumbency with the head facing the end of the operating table. 
6. The vet will inject a local anesthetic to the nasal tissues. 
7. The nose is scrubbed for surgery
8. The veterinarian will use a #15 blade scalpel to create angled incisions in the alar fold in the shape of a triangle. This incision pattern will be repeated to the adjacent nostril. 
9. Once the external wedge has been removed, the vet will work his/her way inside the nostril, removing pie-shaped sections of cartilage from the alar fold. 
10. Hemorrhaging will be controlled with direct pressure. 
11. A 4-0 Monocryl suture will be placed in the alar fold. The stitches with run from the outside to the inside to close the opening in the skin. 
12. The process will be completed on both nostrils, achieving symmetrical nostril openings. 
13. Sponges will be placed on the nose to keep it moist and clean. 
14. The dog will be allowed to rest in a recovery kennel. 

Efficacy of Enlarging Nasal Openings in Dogs

Enlarging nasal openings in dogs is a highly effective surgical procedure used as a multi-pronged treatment to alleviate brachycephalic airway syndrome. Opening the nostrils helps more oxygen flow and reduces reparatory effort. The procedure itself is relatively simple to perform, requiring very little anesthesia with minimal complications. The majority of patients show improvements immediately following surgery. 

Enlarging Nasal Openings Recovery in Dogs

Dogs that have undergone a stenotic nares correction surgery will be released from the hospital the day of the surgery. Some canines appear drowsy and inactive, whereas other dogs return to normal behavior quickly. In either case, the dog must be confined and restricted of physical activity to prevent the sutures from coming loose. An Elizabethan collar should be sent home with the dog to prevent rubbing of the incision site. Pain medications, paired with a broad spectrum antibiotic will be administered as directed by the veterinarian. 

Dog Enlarging Nasal Openings Considerations

The use of anesthesia is always a concern for dog owners, but due to the fact that the dog is under constant monitoring, anesthetic risks are minimal. Your veterinarian will take special considerations as enlarging nasal openings in dogs is a surgery that requires careful monitoring. Additionally, if your dog’s respiratory obstruction is due to other malformations associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome, such as an elongated soft palate, correcting the stenotic nares will not completely fix the problem. 

Enlarging Nasal Openings Prevention in Dogs

Stenotic nares and brachycephalic syndrome are congenital issues related to the facial structure of brachycephalic dogs. Responsible breeding, whereby we do not breed those dogs with stenotic nares, is the way forward. 

Your vet may have recommendations for easing your dog’s breathing prior to surgery, such as minimizing exposure to hot and humid weather, maintaining a healthy weight, and using a harness, rather than a collar, for attaching a lead.

Stenotic Nares Surgery Cost

French bulldogs are a popular breed known for their distinctive bat-like ears and wrinkled faces. However, one common issue that affects many French bulldogs is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can cause breathing difficulties due to their short noses and flat faces. In severe cases, nasal surgery may be necessary to improve the dog’s quality of life.

The cost of nasal surgery for a French bulldog can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the dog’s condition, the location of the veterinary clinic, and the experience of the surgeon. On average, the cost of nasal surgery for a French bulldog can range from $1,500 to $4,000. This cost typically includes pre-operative testing, the surgery itself, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments.

During nasal surgery for a French bulldog, the surgeon will typically perform procedures such as widening the nostrils, removing excess tissue in the airway, and correcting any abnormalities in the nasal passages. These procedures are designed to improve the dog’s ability to breathe and reduce the risk of complications associated with BOAS.

It is important for French bulldog owners to carefully consider the cost of nasal surgery and weigh it against the potential benefits for their pet. While the cost of surgery may be significant, it can greatly improve the dog’s quality of life and reduce the risk of respiratory issues in the future. Additionally, some pet insurance policies may cover a portion of the cost of nasal surgery for French bulldogs, so it is worth checking with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for coverage.

Nasal surgery for French bulldogs can be a costly but necessary procedure for dogs suffering from BOAS. By understanding the factors that contribute to the cost of surgery and exploring options for financial assistance, French bulldog owners can make informed decisions about their pet’s healthcare.

Takeaway

An upturned nose isn’t a cause for concern, and it doesn’t need to be corrected unless it’s interfering with your ability to breathe properly. If you aren’t happy with how your nose looks, there are things that you can do to change its appearance.