BOAS surgery helps brachycephalic dogs breathe more comfortably by correcting the physical issues that make every breath harder than it should be. In Ruby’s case, that meant shortening her elongated soft palate – the excess tissue at the back of her throat that partially blocked her airway – and widening her nostrils so air could move more freely through her nose.
Ruby came through surgery and anesthesia well, but those first 24 hours were, if we’re being honest, a little frightening.
Overnight, there was concern that she may have regurgitated and aspirated some fluid. She wasn’t showing clinical signs, but with aspiration, complications like lung changes can take time to appear. Out of caution, she was kept on IV antibiotics and closely monitored.
At that point, the update we were hanging onto was that Ruby was stable. Not worse, not better. Just stable. They kept her to make sure nothing developed, and to ensure there were no changes in her lungs.
The encouraging part? Even with some effort, Ruby was able to breathe through her nose while sleeping. For brachycephalic dogs, that’s big. Dogs who are struggling or obstructed often have to breathe through their mouths and can’t fully settle or sleep. Ruby could rest, and that was a really good sign.
After two nights in ICU, Ruby was able to come home.
The next hurdle was her appetite. She just wasn’t interested in eating, which is always a concern post-surgery. Her incredible foster mom pulled out all the stops – chicken, meatballs, and every possible dog-approved option – to tempt her.
Thankfully, Ruby seems to have turned that corner. Her appetite is coming back, and she’s settling into a strict routine of rest, medications, and recovery.
Most importantly, she is improving, and every snore, snort and healing nap is being monitored very closely.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this life-changing surgery possible. Your support gave Ruby the chance to breathe easier and recover safely.
Please keep sending lots of healing thoughts Ruby’s way. ❤️
We think that’s good advice, but this time, we’re making an exception.
Lexi and Ruby are mother and daughter, and right now, they’re both struggling to breathe.
They each need BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery, with an estimated cost of just under $6,000 per dog. $12,000 to help them both. (Their spays will come later, once they’ve healed.)
This is a complex procedure performed by a specialist, with careful anesthetic management throughout. Both girls are already showing clear signs of BOAS, including loud snoring, exercise and heat intolerance – and you can hear it – the extra effort in every breath.
While no surgery is without risk, this one has the potential to make a life-changing difference, helping them breathe easier and enjoy a much better quality of life.
We have many dogs in our care, all with their own needs. That doesn’t change.
But sometimes, a rescue story asks a little more of us.
If you’d like to add an egg to their basket, please hop on over to:
www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/basket (The fundraiser is now closed.)
Ruby, 5, and Lexi, 7, were surrendered to BTRC due to unexpected life changes in their previous home. Their family made the difficult decision to let them go so they could receive the care and stability they deserve.
Now settling into foster care, Ruby and Lexi are getting to know their new environment. Ruby is showing herself to be the braver of the pair, while Lexi has chosen to take things more slowly.
They both have the same philosophy about what royal treatment entails, however. Mealtime initially required a personal touch. Both girls politely declined their bowls unless their foster parents provided white-glove service – handfeeding only, please.
After some negotiation, they’ve agreed to dine independently – but there MUST be a slight sprinkle of a topper. We can’t help but suspect this was their plan all along – immediately train the foster parents and set the bar high.
Both Ruby and Lexi have upcoming vet appointments where we’ll learn more about their overall health and ensure they receive the care they need, including spays.
Ruby and Lexi are being fostered in Delta, BC and are not yet ready for adoption.
