Help Dolly Breathe
Dolly was handed into us by the police after she’d been found abandoned earlier this year.
We don’t know anything about her background, but it’s clear she’s had a really tough time. She came into our care underweight, with an untreated ear infection, and skin issues.
Dolly is recovering well and now the only thing holding her back from living a full and happy life is her inability to breathe freely.
For Dolly, every breath is a struggle.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition which is common in ‘flat face’ breeds such as French Bulldogs or Pugs and causes difficulty with breathing.
BOAS makes it hard for Dolly to run and play with her friends, sleep well, or cool herself down effectively by panting, affecting her ability to live a full and happy life.
For dogs who suffer from BOAS, the shape of their head means that they often suffer with narrow nostrils, nasal passages, and windpipes, as well as an elongated soft palate. This can severely impact a dog’s quality of life, causing serious health and welfare issues.
BOAS in flat-faced breeds
A recent study by the Royal Veterinary College found that there had been an 800% increase in BOAS surgeries over the last 10 years at Queen Margaret Hospital for Animals in London. French Bulldogs are the most common breed to suffer, with up to 90% of them requiring some form of BOAS treatment.
The lead author of this study, Dr Alex Currie, is quoted as saying: ‘These findings demonstrate the welfare cost associated with flat-faced dogs, in addition to the financial and emotional toll on owners of managing the health needs of such breeds.’
We’re seeing this effect right here at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
The number of flat-faced dogs requiring medical intervention over the last few years has risen at the Home. This year so far, we’ve already had to provide BOAS surgery for three French bulldogs who had been lost or abandoned.
BOAS cannot be cured, but it can be treated.
BOAS surgery is a vital intervention which allows affected dogs to breathe better and experience the joys that every dog deserves to feel; chasing a ball, running with friends, and sleeping soundly without discomfort.
BOAS surgery is complicated and challenging. It involves widening the nostrils and shortening the soft palate. There can be serious risks involved with surgery, and Dolly will need to be closely monitored post-operation.
BOAS surgery would significantly improve Dolly’s airways, allowing her to exercise, sleep, and cool herself down.
It would change her world and reduce the discomfort she’s experienced every single day of her life.
Help us raise £3100 towards the cost of Dolly’s surgery and recovery care.
Despite having a rough start, Dolly’s still a friendly and confident little dog.
Don’t let Dolly down. Give today to help fund her treatment.
What happens what we hit our goals...
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1
£500 raised
Superstar trailblazers in action, you’ve got the ball rolling! How many more people can you get on board?
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2
£1500 raised
Halfway there! Let’s tip the scales and change Dolly’s life.
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3
£3100 raised
Dolly gets her surgery!
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4
£3100+ raised
Every penny raised beyond our target will go towards helping the other animals in our care.