Elongated Soft Palate
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- Published on Monday, 02 May 2011 16:22
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Because of their brachycephalic nature (short noses), every bulldog has an elongated soft palate to some degree. The soft palate is the flap of skin located at the back of the throat. If the palate is too long and thick, it can block the airway making it difficult for the dog to breathe. This is the most common breathing disorder.
The dog can also choke on or spit up pieces of kibble and even pass out from lack oxygen. Signs of distress related to an elongated palate include excessive panting, inability to calm down quickly when excited, making a breathing sound like a weed eater starting up, and possibly vomiting frequently. Watch for loud snoring and/or loud, raspy breathing when overheated. Heat and exercise will cause loud, gurgly breathing that sounds like a roar if the palate is too long. The severity of soft palate symptoms can range from loud breathing when excited or during and after exercise to total exercise intolerance.
An experienced Bulldog breeder or experienced Bulldog vet can check the palate by examining inside the dog’s throat. Anesthesia can be avoided any times if the dog is calm and will allow it. Otherwise, a mild sedative can be given so that the vet can do a complete check.
Surgery can be performed to shorten the palate but is not suggested until the dog is about a year old or until the palate stops growing. Earlier surgery is only recommended in a severe case and usually requires a second surgery at a later date. Sometimes the dog may need to have laryngeal saccules or tonsils removed also, which the vet can usually do at the same time as a palate clip.
Laser surgery is now the most common procedure vets use to shorten the palate. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, which cuts down the bleeding and swelling and reduces recovery time. During post-op recovery, avoid feeding hard kibble. Only soft, non-irritating food should be given to allow the throat time to heal. Rice with ground beef or chicken, soft dog food, eggs, oatmeal and even baby food are some of the foods that are soft on a dog’s throat. Kibble can also be softened with hot water.
Most people are searching for the stereotypical Bully with a really pushed in nose. Remember, the more pushed in the nose, the more likelihood of an elongated palate condition. I have seen these surgeries cost as much as $1500. My group cost is around $400 bucks out the door. Healing time varies by dog but is usually around 2-3 weeks.
For more information about available healthy Bulldog puppies, visit www.BigBulldogs.com