I understand that my pet is classified as a brachycephalic breed and that this means my pet may have any, or all, of the below anatomical changes associated with these breeds. Brachycephalic is a term that is used to describe breeds that have a “short-nose” and can have trouble breathing due to the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat.
Possible anatomical changes associated with these breeds:
• Elongated Soft Palate
• Everted Saccules
• Stenotic Nares
• Shortened Airways
• Hypoplastic Trachea
Because my pet is considered brachycephalic my pet is predisposed to stress related breathing problems and could go into respiratory distress, a potentially life-threatening breathing issue. I acknowledge that it is best for my patient to be premedicated prior to situations that can cause stress related breathing issues.
Premedication protocol at Cape Veterinary Hospital is Cerenia, an antiemetic, and Trazadone to keep your patient calm. We use these medications in combination to help keep these breeds calm during stressful situations and avoid post-operative aspiration pneumonia. Brachycephalic dogs are considered a high-risk patient. If my pet goes into respiratory distress or comes in a crisis, we will administer a calming medication and place them in oxygen or intubate them depending on the severity.
If you agree to service at CVH, you understand that risks of aspiration pneumonia, respiratory distress, higher anesthetic risks, and death are due to the congenital airway changes in your pet and not something we can eliminate due to the increased risk of their anatomy; regardless of the precautions we take.
Although CVH has extensive experience handing these cases, if they go into respiratory distress, we are unable to provide 24-hour ventilator care and do not have a specialty ICU. You as a pet owner are acknowledging the above information and are consenting that we can treat your patient at CVH.