Stenotic Nares Surgery: What It Is & What to Expect

If your dog snorts more than they breathe or seems to struggle with every breath, you’re not imagining things. Flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs are prone to a condition called stenotic nares. This narrowing of the nasal openings can make breathing difficult and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there’s a solution that can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life: stenotic nares surgery. In this blog, we’ll explain what stenotic nares surgery is, what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure, and why Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Winter Haven, FL is here to support you and your pet every step of the way.

 

 

What Are Stenotic Nares?

Stenotic nares are abnormally narrow or collapsed nostrils, a common anatomical issue in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds. This condition restricts airflow and forces dogs to breathe through their mouths or exert extra effort just to get air through their noses. Many pet parents notice their dogs snorting, gasping, or panting heavily after only minimal activity. Over time, this constant respiratory strain can affect your pet’s overall comfort, exercise tolerance, and even the function of their internal organs. Since it’s part of a larger condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), stenotic nares often occur alongside other structural airway challenges such as elongated soft palates or everted laryngeal saccules. Thankfully, stenotic nares surgery is designed to widen the nostrils and provide your pet with the relief they need to breathe more freely.

Why Your Dog Might Need Stenotic Nares Surgery

Dogs with stenotic nares often show signs of difficulty breathing from a young age. In some cases, the signs are subtle, such as loud snoring or increased panting. In others, they’re more severe and may include frequent collapse, vomiting after exercise, or heat intolerance.

Symptoms to Watch For

Some signs that may indicate your dog could benefit from stenotic nares surgery include:

• Noisy breathing, especially when inhaling
• Labored breathing during rest or exercise
• Frequent snoring or snorting
• Blue gums or tongue after activity
• Excessive panting, even in cool environments
• Avoidance of physical exertion

Over time, the energy it takes for these dogs to breathe can reduce their stamina, affect heart function, and contribute to stress on other parts of their respiratory system. If your dog displays any of these signs, it may be time to talk with your veterinarian at Veterinary Healthcare Associates about the benefits of stenotic nares surgery.

What Happens During Stenotic Nares Surgery?

Stenotic nares surgery is a relatively simple soft tissue procedure performed under general anesthesia. The goal is to remove a small wedge of tissue from each nostril to permanently widen the nasal openings and improve airflow.

The Surgical Process

Here’s what the surgical process generally looks like:

• Pre-surgical assessment: Your veterinarian will examine your dog and may recommend diagnostic imaging or bloodwork to confirm they’re a good candidate for surgery.
• Anesthesia: Your pet will be placed under anesthesia to ensure their comfort and safety.
• Tissue removal: Your veterinarian will carefully remove or reshape part of the nasal cartilage and surrounding tissue.
• Recovery monitoring: After the procedure, your pet will be monitored as they wake from anesthesia and transition into post-operative care.

In many cases, stenotic nares surgery is performed alongside other airway surgeries, such as soft palate resection, to provide a more complete and long-lasting result.

What to Expect After Surgery

After stenotic nares surgery, most dogs experience a noticeable improvement in their ability to breathe. While each pet recovers at their own pace, most are back on their feet within a few days.

Recovery Timeline

• First 24–48 hours: You’ll likely notice some mild swelling around the nose and possibly light nasal discharge. Your dog may feel groggy or sleepy as they recover from anesthesia.
• 1 week post-surgery: Any visible inflammation usually begins to subside. Dogs often show improved breathing and reduced snoring.
• 2–3 weeks post-surgery: The nasal openings will heal, and breathing should be significantly easier. Your vet will check healing progress and determine if any additional treatment is needed.

It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions, including any activity restrictions and prescribed medications. While some bruising or nasal scabbing may occur, this typically resolves on its own.

Benefits of Stenotic Nares Surgery

Stenotic nares surgery does more than just reduce snoring. It can transform your pet’s daily life. Here are just a few of the benefits pet owners have reported after their dog’s surgery:

• Less effort required to breathe, even during activity
• Improved stamina and willingness to play
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced risk of overheating
• Quieter breathing, less snoring
• Decreased risk of more serious airway issues later in life

For many dogs, the change is almost immediate. The relief of breathing through widened nostrils can make all the difference in how they experience their world.

Is Stenotic Nares Surgery Safe?

When performed by an experienced veterinary team, stenotic nares surgery is considered a low-risk procedure. Like any surgery, it carries some risk related to anesthesia and post-op healing, but complications are uncommon.

Why Experience Matters

The team at Veterinary Healthcare Associates brings expertise and attention to detail to every surgery. Our facility is equipped with modern monitoring equipment, and our staff stays by your pet’s side through every step: from pre-surgical preparation to post-op recovery. We’ll also go over what to expect and answer your questions so you feel confident about your pet’s care.

When to Talk to Your Winter Haven Veterinarian

If your dog shows signs of labored breathing, loud snoring, or struggles during physical activity, it may be time to explore options like stenotic nares surgery. Early intervention can help reduce long-term damage and improve your dog’s daily comfort. Veterinarians typically recommend scheduling the surgery once your dog is old enough for anesthesia and has been evaluated for other airway-related conditions. The earlier the intervention, the better the long-term outcome tends to be, especially for active pets or those prone to overheating in Florida’s warm climate. Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Winter Haven is here to support you and your pet with skilled care and tailored treatment plans. If you think your dog may benefit from stenotic nares surgery, call us today at (863) 324-3340 to schedule a consultation. Let’s help your dog breathe and live better.