Is your dog suffering from stenotic nares? This condition in dogs is becoming increasingly common and can be a source of worry for dog owners. To help you understand this issue better, let's take a look at what stenotic nares in dogs are, the symptoms that may occur, and ways to care for your dog if they're affected by it. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about stenotic nares in dogs!
What is and what are the causes of stenotic nares in dogs?
Stenotic nares in dogs is a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment and reduced rigidity of the nose cartilages, essentially resulting in closed or narrow nostrils. This results in impaired nasal airflow, as well as increased airway resistance. This condition is often observed in brachycephalic dog breeds (those dog breeds with flat faces). Stenotic nares in dogs are a component of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Specifically, the external nares, or nostrils, are composed of three cartilages and their associated alar folds. When these alar folds become displaced medially it can cause the nasal openings to be narrowed, a condition known as stenotic nares in dogs. This narrowing can cause difficulty breathing as the alar folds may collapse further when the dog inhales through the nose.
Stenotic nares in dogs is a hereditary condition and occurs more often in certain breeds of dogs like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Boston Terrier. It can affect dogs at any age but is usually seen in puppies or young adults. Dogs with stenotic nares may show signs of other breathing problems and if left untreated these symptoms can become worse with time. In addition, obesity is a contributing factor to worsening symptoms.
What are the symptoms of stenotic nares in dogs?
The clinical signs of stenotic nares in dogs are due to the obstruction of the upper airway, which makes it difficult for pets to breathe through their noses. In addition, affected animals may also show symptoms from other aspects of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Dogs with stenotic nares may exhibit signs of upper airway obstruction, such as:
- Exercise intolerance
- Stertorous breathing (i.e. snorting sound associated with elongated soft palate)
- Snoring
- Stridor (i.e. wheezing or high-pitched whistling sound resulting from laryngeal collapse and paralysis, or stricture/stenosis)
- Open-mouth breathing
- Gagging
- Restlessness
How are stenotic nares diagnosed in dogs?
Stenotic nares in dogs are diagnosed primarily through physical examination by your veterinarian. During the exam, your veterinarian will look for signs of stenotic nares such as narrowed external nares (nostrils). Based on the severity of the stenosis or the nostrils, your veterinarian will provide a grade of severity. The severity of the stenosis ranges from mild to severe.
1) Mild: The nostrils appear slightly narrowed, and the lateral wall does not make contact with the medial nostril wall.
2) Moderate: The lateral nostril wall may come into contact with the medial nostril wall up near the top.
3) Severe: The nostrils are nearly completely blocked both near the top and near the bottom.
Because stenotic nares in dogs are part of BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), your veterinarian may also perform additional tests such as a sedated laryngeal exam and/or exercise tolerance test to assess the severity of stenotic nares and any other associated conditions.
What are the treatment options for stenotic nares in dogs?
The treatment for stenotic nares in dogs is surgical. Surgery is the only way to correct stenotic nares and relieve upper airway obstruction.
The primary goal of treatment for stenotic nares is to improve the dog's breathing by widening the nasal opening. Widening of the nostrils in dogs with even moderately constricted nares may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce upper airway resistance in those with more than one anomaly. Typically, widening is achieved by removing or trimming away the alar flaps (wings).
Through rhinoplasty to correct stenotic nares, the primary objective is to create a wide nostril opening that appears aesthetically balanced and symmetrical. To further ensure successful results, precise suturing should be performed to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing times.
The most common surgical technique described for the correction of stenotic nares in dogs is the Alar Fold Resection or Alaplasty. The goal of an alar fold resection is to improve airflow by removing a wedge of tissue from the outer edge of each nostril. The size and shape of the removed tissue vary depending on the individual, but generally speaking, the goal is to create larger nostrils that are more rotated towards the top of the nose.
At our animal hospital, we have access to a surgical laser and can easily perform correction of stenotic nares in dogs with no bleeding or sutures.
Conclusion
Stenotic nares in dogs is a common condition that can affect brachycephalic dog breeds, leading to impaired nasal airflow and increased airway resistance. The symptoms of stenotic nares include exercise intolerance, stertorous breathing, snoring, stridor, open-mouth breathing, gagging, and restlessness. Diagnosis is based on physical examination, and treatment is surgical. The most common surgical technique to correct stenotic nares is the Alar Fold Resection or Alaplasty, which involves removing a wedge of tissue from the edge of each nostril in order to widen the nose opening and improve airflow. With proper care and management, stenotic nares can be successfully treated and managed.
If you have any questions about stenotic nares in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.