palate surgery

[Roger]

When I had my bulldog spade as a pup, the vet (who is older, very experienced and runs a busy practice) recommended a procedure where they laser/remove some of the soft palate, thereby opening up the airway. He states that this would prolong the dogs life, make it much easier for the bulldog to breath, and said I should consider it. I declined at that time to have the procedure done, but wonder if I made the right decision...
Has anyone had experience with this? I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.

 

[Vicaroo1000]

I've heard of such a procedure - but no experience with it. Someone here will have some wisdom for you! Stay tuned! BTW: we love pictures! Just a hint for you there.

 

[izstigspunks]

I've heard but don't have experience with it. But if it were my pups, I wouldn't go through any surgery unless it's impeding their quality of life. Bully's, in general, have small tracheas but do very well with them. It's one of the main reasons why we watch them carefully and keep them cool.

One of my coworkers did this surgery for one of her pugs because her vet recommended it and she regretted it after. She said her pug somehow always manages to catch a cold and gets sick, which he never did before the procedure was done. It wasn't a necessary surgery, more so the vet recommended it. She brought home an additional pug soon after and declined the surgery, even though her vet suggested it again, and he's still as healthy as a horse to this day.

Only my humble opinion.

If you like you can get a second opinion to see if it's necessary. I'd go to a bulldog specialist though seeing it's one of the major procedures you can do to our pups.

 

[Fontanafox]

I'm on the fence about this one. Both my vets have "recommended" this for Mr. Wilson but I never saw a need for it. Although at the office he breaths heavily from the excitement of being there he rarely breathes that way at home. But I know my bully best and I know he breathes fine for his energy level which is pretty low. I'm sure the vets mean well but I think unless "you" see it is a problem I'd think carefully about the risk. Just my opinion.

 

[Roger]

Sounds like everyone thinks the same as I. Leave well enough alone unless it is really necessary. My bully is indoors almost all the time unless supervised and I am vigilant about her overheating or overstressing herself. thanks for the replies...

 

[buffalobabie]

Gregory had the sugery done when he was fixed, he is an extremely active bulldog so i believe it has helped his quality of life. He also has a wind pipe the size of a quarter so it was necessary for him. his nose holes had to be inlarged as well, i was super nervous about the whole thing but trusted the vet alot

 

[Roger]

thanks. It sounds like a tough call to make either way. I guess I was too nervous to get it done initially. Something to consider if she appears to be struggling at some point in the future, though I hope not

 

[cali~jenn]

I have no opinion on this. My newset pup Miila has an enlarged pallet also. Am planning on getting another opinion tomorrow at a new vet and see what they say.

 

[2BullyMama]

Our boy Nitschke had to have it done, we knew at the time we got him @ 6 months but our vet said we could wait till he was two, which we did. He did really well after the surgery, his sleep-appnia (sp?) -- it is where ya stop breathing while sleeping -- totally stopped after the procedure. And, his snoring was not as loud, still there and cute, but not like a train. He also was able to walk and play longer. Our vet did not do the procedure because he felt the amount of work needed should be done by a specialist... so I knew our boy really needed it done.

Definitely get a second opinion.

 

[cowsmom]

ive no experience with this just wanted to say that ive heard of good things and bad things about it. i guess it would depend on my dogs quality of life. if i can get by without it then i would. and def would get more opinions and someone experienced to do the procedure. good luck with whatever you decide