BOAS stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. It causes obstruction of the upper airway, making it difficult for affected dogs to breathe.

It's a complex condition, partly caused by short skulls and flattened faces, but also by how the airway functions. BOAS can significantly affect a dog's ability to live a normal life and their welfare.

If you're concerned about your dog's breathing, it's important to have them assessed.

Dogs are typically assessed at around 12 months of age. However, dogs with severe breathing difficulties may need assessment as early as six months. BOAS can worsen as dogs mature, so assessing too early may underestimate its severity.

Signs of abnormal breathing include low-pitched rasping or high-pitched whistling sounds. Your dog may also stop repeatedly during walks or take longer than expected to recover after exercise.

No. Not every French Bulldog, British Bulldog or Pug has BOAS, and not every dog needs surgery. A thorough assessment of your dog's breathing, lifestyle and airway is important before deciding whether surgery is necessary.

Surgery cannot be undone, and performing the wrong procedure can cause harm. A thorough diagnosis is essential to understand the problem and choose the appropriate treatment.

No. You don't need a referral from your regular veterinarian. You can book a consultation directly with Dr Arthur House through Breathe Veterinary Centre.

Arthur will ask questions about how your dog lives at home. By asking the correct questions we can ascertain how well your dog can exercise, recover and sleep. He'll then perform a physical examination and Respiratory Function Grading (RFG), assessing your dog's breathing before and after a three-minute trot. He'll explain the findings and discuss treatment options, including the risks and expected benefits of surgery where appropriate.

A consultation with Arthur costs approximately $250 and usually takes 45 minutes. BOAS airway surgery costs approximately $4,000 for most dogs, but this varies depending on the procedures required. Some dogs need additional surgery based on their individual airway anatomy.

Recovery varies between dogs and breeds. Most dogs are feeling much better within two days of surgery. Many owners notice an improvement in their dog's breathing from the day they're discharged from hospital.