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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is a consequence of the pharyngeal and nasal anatomy in brachycephalic or short-headed dog breeds such as '''bulldogs, pekingese, pugs and boxers'''. The syndrome arises due to increased airway resistance that results from airway narrowing at the nares, nasal turbinates and nasopharynx at the caudal edges of the soft palate and hyoid apparatus. The narrowing means that greater inspiratory effort is exerted by the diaphragm and chest wall muscles. This creates '''increased negative pressure''' which has the greatest impact on the soft tissues of the pharynx, especially the caudal soft palate and the hyoid apparatus.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is a consequence of the pharyngeal and nasal anatomy in brachycephalic or short-headed dog breeds such as '''Bulldogs, Pekingese, Pugs and Boxers'''. The syndrome arises due to increased airway resistance that results from airway narrowing at the nares, nasal turbinates and nasopharynx at the caudal edges of the soft palate and hyoid apparatus. The narrowing means that greater inspiratory effort is exerted by the diaphragm and chest wall muscles. This creates '''increased negative pressure''' which has the greatest impact on the soft tissues of the pharynx, especially the caudal soft palate and the hyoid apparatus.

The primary components of the syndrome are:

The primary components of the syndrome are:

'''Radiography''': this may reveal an elongated soft palate. A hypoplastic trachea can be diagnosed by comparing the diameters of the thoracic inlet and the trachea. Evaluation of the heart and lungs is possible to check for oedema and right-sided dilation.

'''Radiography''': this may reveal an elongated soft palate. A hypoplastic trachea can be diagnosed by comparing the diameters of the thoracic inlet and the trachea. Evaluation of the heart and lungs is possible to check for oedema and right-sided dilation.

'''Haematology''' is usually unremarkable, though there may be an increase in PCV due to mild hypoxia.

'''Haematology''' is usually unremarkable, though there may be an increase in [[Packed Cell Volume|PCV]] due to mild hypoxia.

'''Laryngeal examination''': this should be performed under light general anaesthesia, in order to visualise the defects.  

'''Laryngeal examination''': this should be performed under light general anaesthesia, in order to visualise the defects.  

Slatter, D. (2002) '''Textbook of small animal surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Slatter, D. (2002) '''Textbook of small animal surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

[[Category:Nasal_Cavity_-_Developmental_Pathology]][[Category:Respiratory_System_-_Developmental_Pathology]]

[[Category:Nasal_Cavity_-_Developmental_Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory_System_-_Developmental_Pathology]]

[[Category:Nasopharynx - Pathology]]

[[Category:Nasopharynx - Pathology]]