gray shorthair cat among green grass
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Upper Airway Surgery

We perform upper airway surgery to help brachycephalic breeds.

Upper Airway Surgery at Lyon Veterinary Clinic

Brachycephalic Syndrome in Short-Nosed Dogs and Cats

At Lyon Veterinary Clinic, we specialize in treating Brachycephalic Syndrome in short-nosed dogs and cats such as Pugs, Shih-Tzus, Boston Terriers, Persians, Bulldogs and others. This condition occurs when the upper airways of these patients become obstructed, leading to decreased airflow, snoring, noisy breathing, and reduced activity. The primary culprits are often small nasal openings known as stenotic nares, a narrow trachea and an elongated soft palate.
tools for a vet surgery

Stenotic Nares and Corrective Surgery

Stenotic Nares can significantly negatively impact your pet's quality of life as their small nasal openings force them to work harder to breathe. This leads to a build-up of pressure in their airway, causing harsh breathing, snoring, increased nasal discharge, and reduced oxygen reaching their lungs. In severe cases, patients can lose consciousness or face life-threatening consequences due to severely low oxygenation of tissues.

At Lyon Veterinary Clinic, we recommend removing a small part of the nose to allow for a larger opening for air to pass through to the lungs. This corrective surgery is best performed when patients are young and asymptomatic, to prevent permanent damage to the trachea and other structures. However, the procedure can still provide significant improvement in airflow in patients of all ages. It can be done concurrently with other surgeries such as neuters, spays, mass removals, and dentals. Owners often report an immediate improvement in their pet's activity and breathing after the procedure.

Before Surgery

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After Surgery, and completely healed

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tools for a vet surgery

Elongated Soft Palate and Surgical Treatment

An elongated soft palate is another common finding in Brachycephalic Syndrome in short-nosed pets. The soft palate, which hangs down at the back of the throat, prevents food and water from entering the nasal passages during swallowing. In brachycephalic dogs, the soft palate may be excessively long, resulting in obstruction of the pet's airway during breathing. This obstruction can lead to permanent tracheal damage and collapse in severe cases.
Upper Airway Surgery at Lyon Veterinary Clinic

Upper Airway Surgery at Lyon Veterinary Clinic

If you're looking for an animal hospital near you that performs upper airway surgery, look no further than Lyon Veterinary Clinic. Our team of experienced veterinarians can perform a procedure to remove the elongated soft palate in your pet's throat, significantly improving their airflow and reducing the risk of permanent tracheal damage and collapse. This surgery is performed entirely within the patient's throat, requiring minimal aftercare. Owners often express regret for not having the procedure done earlier for their pet. The procedure can be done concurrently with other surgeries or as a standalone procedure. Contact us if you have any questions about the upper airway surgery or if you would like to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Upper Airway Surgery at Lyon Veterinary Clinic

Upper Airway Surgery at Lyon Veterinary Clinic

If you're looking for an animal hospital near you that performs upper airway surgery, look no further than Lyon Veterinary Clinic. Our team of experienced veterinarians can perform a procedure to remove the elongated soft palate in your pet's throat, significantly improving their airflow and reducing the risk of permanent tracheal damage and collapse. This surgery is performed entirely within the patient's throat, requiring minimal aftercare. Owners often express regret for not having the procedure done earlier for their pet. The procedure can be done concurrently with other surgeries or as a standalone procedure. Contact us if you have any questions about the upper airway surgery or if you would like to schedule an appointment for your pet.
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Comprehensive Pet Care in South Lyon, Michigan

Comprehensive Pet Care in
South Lyon, Michigan

Lyon Veterinary Clinic serves South Lyon, Northville, New Hudson, Brighton, Ann Arbor, Salem, Novi, and surrounding areas. Our clinic offers a variety of services, including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, nutritional counseling, parasite prevention and control, microchipping, care for rabbits and small mammals, puppy and kitten care, senior care, behavioral medicine, surgery, upper airway surgery, laser technology, radiology (X-rays), pet pain management, a fully stocked pharmacy, hospice, and euthanasia. We take pride in providing comprehensive care for your pets, and our services are tailored to meet your pet's individual needs.
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Mon, Wed & Thur: 8:00am - 6:30pmTues & Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pmSat: 8:00am - 11:30am

Mon, Wed & Thur: 8:00am - 6:30pm
Tues & Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Sat: 8:00am - 11:30am