Elongated Soft Palate

Elongated Soft Palate, Major Cause Of Breathing Problems In Short Muzzled Dogs

Dogs that are brachycephalic, also known as pug nosed or short muzzled, are particularly prone to several different respiratory problems due to the shape of their heads. The most commonly affected breeds include the Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Bulldog and Boxer. These breeds have problems with collapse tracheas, heatstroke and a congenital problem known as elongated soft palate. The soft palate is a flap of tissue that is located at the upper back part of the throat. A normally function and positioned soft palate acts like a flap or block to prevent food or liquid that the dog is swallowing from accidentally entering the air passage, also known as the nasopharnyx. The soft palate touches the epiglottis, which in turn is attached to the base of the tongue in dogs with a normal formation. [...]

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