Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our bulldog “Peppermint” really has trouble breathing. Ever since she was about three months old she really struggles to catch her breath and sounds like a freight train. The vet who spayed her told us she had a long palate and it needed to be corrected, but the surgery was dangerous and he didn’t do that in his office. Now that she is almost two, it seems like Peppermint is even worse. We can’t even take her out on sunny days for fear she will start gagging. Do you think the surgery is dangerous? Do you recommend it to your patients or do you think it is too invasive?
Peppermint’s Parents
Dear Parents: In my opinion, I think it probably would have been in Peppermint’s best interest to have been spayed AND get a soft palate resection at the same time, around six months of age. It is usually no mystery or spectacular act of diagnostic brilliance to determine when a big, plump raspy-breathing English Bulldog has an elongated soft palate that needs to be clipped. Many of them do!
However, in Peppermint’s case, the decision to take care of her palate was not done then, so you are faced with dealing with it now.
Unfortunately the English Bulldog is a conglomeration of genetic defects all rolled up into a magnificently popular and wildly delightful companion dog (and one of my favorite pets). This adorable and affable dog is now the fifth most popular breed in the US. But the flat face, concave profile, huge, flat forehead, wide set bulbous eyes, and heavy-set wrinkles over the face have created an abundance of redundant pharyngeal tissue on the inside that has led to severe breathing trouble for an overwhelming number of these dogs. The long and flabby roof of their mouth hangs over their trachea, making the simple act of inhaling a complicated task. Many of those who suffer from “upper airway respiratory syndrome” benefit greatly from surgical correction, so I do recommend it to my patients for whom it will help.
At my hospital, I perform this surgery with a Co2 laser which makes the operation quicker, bloodless, less painful, and with a quick recovery. It is rather astonishing to watch a big chunky bulldog wake up after getting a soft palate resection. They often have a surprised look on their face as they breathe in air for the first time without a big floppy piece of extra fatty tissue blocking their airway, and it takes them a few minutes to adapt to breathing softly, smoothly and quietly for the first time in their adult lives A certain peace and calm begins to overtake them. This new found tranquility suits the bulldog well.
It sounds like your precious Peppermint is ready to benefit from the procedure. I would suggest you look into having it done soon rather than have her continue to struggle breathing and develop further swelling and inflammation in her throat. When proper precautions are taken, it is not a high risk surgery. In my opinion, the benefits to the pet are tremendous and far outweigh the risk. Good luck with your precious girl. I’m sure you will all be breathing a sigh of relief very soon.
Dr. F
