General Question Stenonic nare and palate surgury

[Bulldoginsfl]

Hi Everyone. My 2 year/ 7 month old male ebd does a lot of snorting. I was told by my first vet when he was very young he would need surgery for his palate but I have held out. I asked her why she said that and she said I can hear him when he breaths. I told her I thought all bulldogs did that and unfortunately I do not have an honest vet , by that meaning my vet , like countless others I assume, are in the business of making money. I do not want to put Buddy through elective surgery and I am wondering if there is a way to KNOW if this needs to be done? He is a handsome . healthy. playful dog ( still a puppy) and loves life ! I do have health insurance so the money isn't really an issue but at times he does snort quit a bit. ( and snores) I know from all I have read here and online about keeping him outdoors for long when it is over 70 degrees or so and limit his playtime at parks. with other dogs ect but if anyone could give me some input or feedback regarding, IF this needs to be done I would definitely appreciate it. Thank you..

 

[2BullyMama]

You are correct that most bulldogs snort, snore, breath heavy, etc; however, some are worse than others and this surgery helps them breathe easier, it does not eliminate the issues, just makes it somewhat better. Many of us here have been through the procedure.. I have been twice with an EB and a Frenchie... both times I was told at around 8 months old they would need it but to wait till they were at least 2 yrs old if possible.... only time under age of 2 that my vet does them is when it is extremly severe, which he ha told me has only bee a few times.

if you do not trust your vet, find another in your area and get a second opinion -- here is a list of vets recommended by other members here on EBN

English Bulldog News Forums - English Bulldog News Recommended English Bulldog Veterinarians

 

[cefe13]

Basically, what decides whether an operation is needed is the way in which the potential breathing difficulties affect the dog.

Over the last few months, we got increasingly worried about Castor's breathing so we took him to a specialist, who said he definitely recommended surgery. Castor is 1.5 years old, and he was very loud and would pant heavily and often throw up after play, even after walks. Over the last months, we had to cut down on his walks, and giving training treats, for instance, became impossible as his breathing in training situations was so strained that he threw up within a minute or two.

Now, 10 days after his surgery (nares and soft palate), the change is drastic. Castor breathes through his nose (i.e., his mouth is shut), and even after play, he breathes without difficulties.

 

[Davidh]

I would find a good bulldog vet and let them check him out.

 

[Bulldoginsfl]

Thank you all. Finding a good bulldog vet is a lot easier said than done. I do not live out in the country or in a state like Missouri where there are countless breeders of bulldogs as well as other breeds. Some puppy mills, some not so much so but I wouldn't know where to look. I think if one could find an older gentleman or woman vet who was nearing retirement , might not be so anxious building a career and trying to make money. The vet I have now ( the owner) has probably 9 vets under him who ( I feel sure) work on commission. That alone tells me they might be anxious to rack up the bill. Its like finding a good auto mechanic. Good luck. I know of one reputable breeder here in the state of Florida who lives over in Tampa. She can't stress enough how good her vet is. I live in Palm Beach county and Tampa ( Hillsborough county ) is a good 4 hour drive from me. Not that I wouldn't travel if it was a life or death situation with Buddy. I have been on the BCA website and researched many breeders here in the state of Florida. Most do not get great reviews. I will continue to be on the hunt for a good vet but I am not going to hold my breath. I think like most other business's its all about making a living. Again. Thanks everyone.

 

[2BullyMama]

Thank you all. Finding a good bulldog vet is a lot easier said than done. I do not live out in the country or in a state like Missouri where there are countless breeders of bulldogs as well as other breeds. Some puppy mills, some not so much so but I wouldn't know where to look. I think if one could find an older gentleman or woman vet who was nearing retirement , might not be so anxious building a career and trying to make money. The vet I have now ( the owner) has probably 9 vets under him who ( I feel sure) work on commission. That alone tells me they might be anxious to rack up the bill. Its like finding a good auto mechanic. Good luck. I know of one reputable breeder here in the state of Florida who lives over in Tampa. She can't stress enough how good her vet is. I live in Palm Beach county and Tampa ( Hillsborough county ) is a good 4 hour drive from me. Not that I wouldn't travel if it was a life or death situation with Buddy. I have been on the BCA website and researched many breeders here in the state of Florida. Most do not get great reviews. I will continue to be on the hunt for a good vet but I am not going to hold my breath. I think like most other business's its all about making a living. Again. Thanks everyone.

None of these are any closer to you?

~FLORIDA~​

Veterinary Center at Fishhawk
Dr. Katie Thompson or Dr. Ben Stading
Lithia, FL
813-681-9080

Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Otfried Guhrt
Tallehassee, FL
850-906-0444

Lake Alfred Animal Hospital
Dr. Mary McDaniel
Lake Alfred, FL
863-956-5700

Tuttle Animal Medical Clinic
Dr. Steve Koch DVM
Sarasota, FL
941-955-0136

Animal Medical Center
Dr. Ashlee Puckett
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6085

Animal Cancer Care Clinic
Dr. Stephanie Correa (Oncologist)
Dr. Tacy Rupp (Cardio-pulmonary issues)
Dr. Melissa Knieriem
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Also has offices in Palm Beach and Martin Counties​

www.animalcancerclinic.com

Sunset Pet Hospital
Dr. Ricardo Caballero
Miami, Florida
305-816-9990

Coastal Veterinary Hospital
13431 Beach Blvd (Beach/Hodges)
Jacksonville, FL 32246
904-223-4360
www.coastalvethospital.com

Highland Pet Hospital
Dr. Beverly Brimacomb
5631 US Hwy 98 South
Lakeland, FL 33813
863-644-6634
www.highlandpethospital.net​

 

[tyree213]

The only way to know for sure about the palate is your dog would have to go under anesthesia to check if surgery is necessary. Stenotic nares is easier to diagnose, the doctor would pretty much visually look at your dog and let you know whether or not that needs to be addressed. I believe you can google what stenotic nares looks like.

The main thing is to find a good reputable bulldog vet. If you do, these surgeries are something that's pretty routine for them. If your dog does require the surgeries it does improve the quality of life for em....good luck.

 

[Bulldoginsfl]

Again Thanks everyone. No BullyMama NONE of those are close. Tallahassee is like 5 hours north. The one specialist is close but a specialist. I would think a breeder who use's the same vet on a regular basis might have a clue but of course that vet would be handling the Mom's/ Dad's / insemination's / C sections ect so I doubt he would be as concerned about money for he is probably already making a bundle from the breeder. Thanks for the input.

 

[2BullyMama]

Again Thanks everyone. No BullyMama NONE of those are close. Tallahassee is like 5 hours north. The one specialist is close but a specialist. I would think a breeder who use's the same vet on a regular basis might have a clue but of course that vet would be handling the Mom's/ Dad's / insemination's / C sections ect so I doubt he would be as concerned about money for he is probably already making a bundle from the breeder. Thanks for the input.

was worth a try.... if you want to give te name of your town, there may be a member that is somewhat near you but has not given us their vet name

 

[Bulldoginsfl]

I don't have a problem with that. I live in Delray Beach. actually I am right on the Boca/Delray line. There is Boca raton to the south. Boynton beach to the north and not much out west except sugar cane fields and cows. lol Thanks

 

[Christie H]

We just went through the nare surgery on my Wheezie she'll be two in February. Her nares were tiny.She is breathing much better but it doesn't completely erase all snoring or loud breathing but it was necessary.

 

[Bulldoginsfl]

I do want do do what is best in the long run for Buddy although I do not want anything elective just because he has health insurance. I have to take him in to Paws2help in West Palm tomorrow for his yearly blood work and I am going to ask them ( its a non profit with volunteer vets and techs ) What they think about this. These people are definitely not in it for a business. Thank you.

 

[ZuleikaD]

I had Tallulah's palette done this fall and its really been a big improvement for her. She had a lot of the same symptoms as Castor above and would really start to wheeze when she got excited or over heated. She still snores, but not as much as she used to.

Listen to how your dog sounds when he breathes. If you can hear lots of snuffling or rattling from the palette, then he probably needs it. If he breathes through his mouth a lot then he probably needs it. Yes, bulldogs sound different when they breath, but often that's because they have these problems. They are very common. Maybe its worth a trip to one of the out of the way vets for a second opinion.