Prioritizing Your Pet’s Well-Being with Soft Palate Surgery in Mandeville, LA
There’s nothing like coming home to your fuzzy friend after a long day. They bring you endless comfort, and you want to do the same for them. One of the best ways to do this is with soft palate surgery in Mandeville, LA.
Your four-legged pal’s short muzzle is adorable. While it’s perfect for kisses, it isn’t so great for their breathing. Some dogs and cats are born with shorter heads from breeding efforts, obstructing their airways. If you notice your pet struggling to breathe, it might be time to consult your vet about soft palate surgery.
What Is an Elongated Soft Palate?
An elongated soft palate is common among brachycephalic (i.e., “short-headed”) pets. This is a condition your pet is born with, as it directly results from their breeding. The soft palate is the soft part of the roof of your pet’s mouth. Since your pet’s mouth is so short, the soft palate is often too long for them to comfortably breathe.
The extra length is more than uncomfortable. The excess length partially blocks the entrance to the trachea, which leads to ongoing (and sometimes worsening) respiratory issues.
Abnormally small or narrow nostrils, also known as stenotic nares, often accompany this condition. This only exacerbates your pet’s breathing issues.
Does Your Dog Need Soft Palate Surgery?
No owner wants to think about their pet in surgery, but sometimes it’s the best choice for them. How do you know when your dog or cat needs soft palate surgery?
When pets show signs of an elongated soft palate, it may be time to consult a professional. Symptoms of an elongated soft palate include:
- Loud snoring
- Difficulty breathing
- Snorting
- Coughing
- Heat stroke
- Vomiting
- Blue-tinted gums
- Exercise intolerance
Brachycephalic dogs may also struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy may help with this, but surgical intervention is sometimes necessary. An elongated soft palate can lead to severe respiratory issues, laryngeal collapse, and heart complications without proper treatment.
To ensure the safety and health of your pet, surgery for obstruction of the airway is necessary. The good news is there is only moderate risk with this operation. Usually, pets can return home the same day. Once in a while, they need to stay overnight for observation.
Process of Soft Palate Surgery
When you trust us with your pet, you want to know exactly what we will do with them. Soft palate surgery is often called a staphylectomy.
Before we operate, we examine to determine the best course of treatment. Dogs under two years of age have the most success with this surgery. When we understand the severity of your dog’s condition, we move forward with the procedure.
We use surgical incision during surgery to remove the excess palate tissue obstructing your furry friend’s airway. Many pets have everted laryngeal saccules at this stage, which arise from increased respiratory effort. We grasp and excise these at the base, using epinephrine to control the bleeding.
We then suture the oral mucosa, and your pet is good to go. Most can go home and eat and drink as normal following this procedure. With their upper airway cleared, they can breathe much easier.
Trust VetNaturally for Your Pet’s Health and Happiness in Mandeville, LA
We understand that you can’t trust just anyone with your pet’s health. Here at VetNaturally by Dr. G, you can rest assured your beloved friend is in good hands. Our clinic in Mandeville, Louisiana, is passionate about keeping your pets happy and healthy through a combination of holistic and conventional approaches.
Our doctors do it all here at VetNaturally. Our doctors can perform a variety of treatments for your pet, from herbal therapy to canine rehabilitation. With years of experience, there’s no one better to trust with your pet’s soft palate surgery.
Your pet deserves the best care possible. Contact us today at (985) 718-9991 to schedule your appointment.
