Updates in Upper Respiratory Surgery

Abstract

This article discusses updates in brachycephalic and other upper respiratory surgery of dogs and cats, including schemata for classifying brachycephalic dogs in terms of severity of disease and indications for monitoring and treatment, new characterizations of the primary and secondary components of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), and updates to traditional brachycephalic airway surgical procedures as well as novel surgeries to treat BOAS, including laser-assisted turbinectomy, the cardiopulmonary effects of brachycephaly on some feline breeds, epiglottic entrapment and retroversion, and upper airway syndrome in Norwich terriers.

Keywords: Airway syndrome; Brachycephalic; Epiglottis; Laryngeal collapse; Laryngeal saccules; Nasal turbinates; Soft palate; Tonsillectomy.