New Approaches to Managing the Brachycephalic Airway Crisis

Attendees will walk through a stepwise stabilization strategy, emphasizing early, targeted interventions that can interrupt the vicious cycle of airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and respiratory fatigue. Topics include the thoughtful use of oxygen therapy, strategic sedation, and active cooling to optimize patient comfort while preserving airway patency.

This session also dives into advanced, real-world techniques such as high-flow nasal oxygen, nebulized therapies, palatopexy, and when to escalate to emergency surgical airway access, decisions that can be lifesaving in critical cases. Throughout, we will highlight how to anticipate and mitigate complications including aspiration pneumonia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, with a focus on improving both immediate stabilization and long-term outcomes.

• Recognize and localize obstructive respiratory patterns in dogs with BOAS
• Implement a stepwise stabilization plan incorporating oxygen therapy, sedation, and cooling strategies.
• Escalate care appropriately using advanced respiratory support and airway management techniques.
• Identify and manage common complications of BOAS, including hyperthermia, aspiration pneumonia, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.