Why we’re different

We are passionate about helping pugs, bulldogs and all short-nosed dogs, particularly those with complex and high-grade brachycephalic obstructive airway disease (BOAS).

We assess each dog individually rather than relying on breed generalisations for treatment. Our comprehensive services include medical, surgical, orthopaedic, and critical and emergency care for brachycephalic dogs.

We are the only hospital in Australia offering whole-body plethysmography in conjunction with respiratory functional grading (RFG) as part of our evaluation, non-invasive airway tests developed by Cambridge University to help identify any breathing difficulties in your dog.

We provide specialised procedures such as laser turbinectomy and ala-vestibuloplasty which are not commonly available in Australia.

Airway evaluation consult

Is your dog’s breathing affecting their quality of life? Our comprehensive consultation will allow us to determine your dog’s condition and provide you with a plan tailored to their needs.

Our airway evaluation includes:

• Thorough history
• Examination
• Respiratory Functional Grading (RFG) and subjective airway testing.

We offer whole-body barometric plethysmography, known as the ‘breathing box’. We are the only veterinary hospital in Australia that can subjectively measure the extent of a dog’s upper airway obstruction using whole-body barometric plethysmography.  

Surgical intervention

If surgery is recommended, we provide all aspects of brachycephalic airway surgery, and the latest interventions tailored to your dogs needs.

Our typical surgical management includes:

• Advanced imaging  with skull and chest (CT)
• Ala-vestibuloplasty for nostril stenosis
• Modified folded palatoplasty to manage palate length and thickness
• Everted saccule excision
• Tonsillotomy for enlarged tonsils
• One-on-one brachycephalic recovery with a dedicated surgery nurse

We also offer laser-assisted turbinectomy (LATE), a new and innovative procedure with very limited availability in Australia for dogs with excessive nasal turbinates.

Laser-assisted turbinectomy is useful for dogs who have had a poor response to traditional surgery or dogs who have marked nasal obstruction resulting in sleep apnoea or daytime fatigue.

All surgery provided by Dr Arthur House and our team of referral veterinarians and an anaesthetist specialist.

Our Specialist BOAS Team

Dr Arthur House is an experienced Small Animal Surgery Specialist. He is internationally renowned for his contributions to veterinary science, educating and mentoring veterinarians, and the welfare of brachycephalic dog breeds. Arthur is Australia’s Chief Assessor for the Respiratory Functional Grading (RFG) Scheme, training vets across Australia to become RFG assessors of brachycephalic dogs and educating breeders in his mission to eradicate BOAS in short-nosed breeds.

Arthur is supported by a large team, including specialists in medicine, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, emergency and critical care, and our dedicated anaesthesia and surgery nurses specifically trained to care for brachycephalic dogs.

Our specialised team carefully guides each dog through their unique journey, ensuring the best outcome for each family.