Brachycephalic Patient Consent Form

Brachycephalic is a term that is used to describe dogs/cats that were bred to have a shortened skull (a “short-nose”), resulting in a compressed nasal passage and abnormal throat anatomy.

Breeds include (but are not limited to):

• English and French bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, shih tzu, Boxer, Havanese and Pekingese
• Persian, Himalayan, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, and Burmese

I understand that my pet is classified as a brachycephalic breed and that this means my pet ay have any, or all, of the below anatomical changes associated with these breeds:

• Elongated Soft Palate
• Everted Saccules
• Stenotic Nares
• Shortened Airways
• Hypoplastic Trachea

The abnormal upper airway anatomy of these animals causes increased negative pressure while taking a breath, leading to inflammation of throat tissues, and potential obstruction of breathing which can lead to respiratory distress. These breeds are additionally at an increased risk of regurgitation/vomiting which could lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Brachycephalic animals are considered higher-risk sedation and/or anesthetic patient(s) given the above physical characteristics.

I am aware that anesthetizing or sedating a brachycephalic animal for any reason can lead to the development of significant complications as described in this document.

Although Pine Woods Animal Hospital has extensive experience handing these breeds and cases, if they go into respiratory distress, we are unable to provide 24-hour ventilator care and do not have a specialty ICU. Transfer to a 24 hour facility may become warranted.

I grant permission for my pet to undergo general anesthesia/sedation/hospitalization at Pine Woods Animal Hospital. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the above information and give your consent for treatment.