Nursing considerations for the patient with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / OHOD2400
Mary Beth Mulligan, BSc, RVN
ENVELOPE marybethmulligan729 @ gmail. com
Mary Beth completed her BSc in veterinary nursing with a distinction at Dundalk Institute of Technology in Ireland. She initially joined Newry Veterinary Centre, where she was able to explore aspects of farm animal nursing, before working at Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists for a year. She then moved to Scotland, where she joined Kingdom Veterinary Clinic, a general practice in Fife. Outside work, Mary Beth enjoys horse riding, taking road trips around Scotland and hiking with her dog Ted( pictured with her). When she prefers a quiet weekend at home, she usually spends it reading fantasy novels or painting.
ABSTRACT Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome( BOAS) presents a substantial anaesthetic and nursing challenge, with patient outcome heavily influenced by how effectively stress, airway patency and oxygen demand are managed throughout admission, anaesthesia and recovery.
Careful, calm handling and proactive stress reduction are crucial, as anxiety and panting can increase oxygen requirements and precipitate airway collapse in dogs with BOAS.
Thoughtful drug selection and readiness for emergency intubation or tracheostomy will help veterinary nurses respond quickly to sudden decompensation. Close monitoring of ventilation, cardiovascular status and temperature allows early intervention in the case of hypercapnia, vagal episodes or hypothermia, all of which can significantly worsen recovery in BOAS patients.
The recovery period is the stage of highest risk, so maintaining the patient in sternal recumbency with the head elevated, delaying extubation until the patient is fully awake and having equipment for re-intubation immediately to hand are pivotal safety measures.
Ongoing nursing vigilance for subtle changes in respiratory noise and effort or oxygen saturation allows intervention measures to be implemented early before complete airway obstruction occurs.
In the longer term, clear owner education on harness use, weight control, appropriate diet, environmental modification and recognition of deteriorating breathing will support sustained improvement in patient welfare beyond hospital discharge.
Keywords brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, BOAS, surgery, preoperative, perioperative, postoperative, anaesthesia, nursing
44 Veterinary Nursing Journal