Why experience and expertise is more important than being a “Specialist Surgeon”. We often explain that reputations, being a specialist (or “board certified” in the US) is not relevant. Asking the % question regarding thinning the palate, removing saccules and tonsils is most helpful. However even when surgeons say they do thinning, saccules and tonsils,…
Miki represents a significant problem with brachycephalic breeds, in particular in British bulldogs with hypoplastic tracheas. As we know, their excessively squashed faces cause enough welfare issues, but many dogs also have a trachea (windpipe) that is abnormally narrow which exacerbates their breathing concerns.
Winnie was a classic severe hypoplastic trachea that most surgeons recommend euthanasia. Although the prognosis for severe hypoplastic trachea is poor, with very high risks, Winnie’s owner was keen to try anything if there was a chance. Clearing out as much of her airway restrictions as we could, Winnie came through with flying colours and is leading a very healthy life.
This condition, extremely prominent in British Bulldogs in particular (up to 50% in some studies), causes immense suffering in many dogs, from euthanasia in puppies when extreme, to just increasing levels of respiratory concerns depending on the degree of hypoplasia an individual may have.