GUnnith345
New member
- May 29, 2012
- 8
- 1
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Zeus
Hi everyone, we were hoping to get some recommendations/opinions on soft palate surgery for Zeus. We've had a several warm stretches up in New York (i.e. 80+) and we've been pretty careful with Zeus and limiting his time outside. However we did have a brief incident with him one day where his normal panting escalated to one that was extremely loud and raspy (almost like a rapid succession of clicking). We know this is a normal bully issue but it concerned us about his ability to breath and cool down.
With respect to his airways, his nostrils are sufficiently wide and an x-ray showed that his trachea size is normal. We are wondering if an elongated soft palate is restricting his breathing and whether he might benefit from the surgery. Sounds like they'll need to sedate even to get a look. He's already had cherry eye surgery, I'd hate to put him through all of that without there being a good chance of a significant life long benefit for him.
Here's some additional background if it helps. Zeus is generally a very excitable pup. Putting on his harness alone starts him panting or he pants almost the entire time while taking a car ride (possibly his favorite thing in the world). I'm not sure if his inability to calm down after getting excited is a sign that he might have some difficulty getting enough air. I know some people mentioned frequent mucus vomiting as a sign of an elongated palate. This has very rarely happened with him but he does do this thing where it looks like he's clearing his throat. Also, he's not an excessive snorer, and in some positions he's fairly quiet. Only when he sleeps upside down with his head off the edge of his bed does he get really loud.
Anyway, we'd love any specific advice/recommendations. I've tried to do as much reading on here and elsewhere about the surgery and symptoms but I'd love to hear any additional stories on experiences, benefits and/or drawbacks. Also, do you think there's any harm in having him sedated just to take a look?
With respect to his airways, his nostrils are sufficiently wide and an x-ray showed that his trachea size is normal. We are wondering if an elongated soft palate is restricting his breathing and whether he might benefit from the surgery. Sounds like they'll need to sedate even to get a look. He's already had cherry eye surgery, I'd hate to put him through all of that without there being a good chance of a significant life long benefit for him.
Here's some additional background if it helps. Zeus is generally a very excitable pup. Putting on his harness alone starts him panting or he pants almost the entire time while taking a car ride (possibly his favorite thing in the world). I'm not sure if his inability to calm down after getting excited is a sign that he might have some difficulty getting enough air. I know some people mentioned frequent mucus vomiting as a sign of an elongated palate. This has very rarely happened with him but he does do this thing where it looks like he's clearing his throat. Also, he's not an excessive snorer, and in some positions he's fairly quiet. Only when he sleeps upside down with his head off the edge of his bed does he get really loud.
Anyway, we'd love any specific advice/recommendations. I've tried to do as much reading on here and elsewhere about the surgery and symptoms but I'd love to hear any additional stories on experiences, benefits and/or drawbacks. Also, do you think there's any harm in having him sedated just to take a look?