How accurate is this BOAS symptom checker?

It is a 12-question weighted screen calibrated against published BOAS exercise tolerance test thresholds. It produces a Mild / Moderate / Severe risk score that aligns with what most US specialty hospitals would flag at a first BOAS consult — but it is not a diagnosis. Use it as a structured starting point, then book a vet visit.

What breeds should use this checker?

All brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The weighting adjusts for breed risk profile.

If my dog scores 'Severe', what should I do?

Schedule a BOAS-experienced veterinary surgeon consult within 2 weeks. Severe scores often indicate a candidate for staphylectomy, alarplasty, and saccule removal. The earlier this is done — ideally before age 2 — the better the long-term outcome.

Is BOAS surgery covered by US pet insurance?

Yes by most major US insurers (Trupanion, Healthy Paws, Embrace, Lemonade, Spot, Pets Best, ASPCA), as long as no symptoms were noted in the medical record before your policy's effective date plus the waiting period. See our Pet Insurance Estimator for personalized ranges.

Can lifestyle changes alone fix BOAS?

For Mild scores, often yes — weight management, harness use, climate control, and avoiding peak heat can produce 60–80% improvement. For Moderate to Severe scores, lifestyle is necessary but rarely sufficient on its own.

Free BOAS Symptom Checker for Brachycephalic Dogs

What is BOAS?

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the umbrella term for airway problems caused by the compressed skull anatomy of flat-faced breeds. It includes elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, hypoplastic trachea, and everted laryngeal saccules — often together. Studies estimate over 50% of French Bulldogs and Pugs are clinically affected.

How vets diagnose BOAS

The gold standard is a physical exam plus a 3-minute exercise tolerance test, often followed by laryngoscopy under light sedation. Some US specialty hospitals now use barometric whole-body plethysmography to grade severity objectively.

Treatment options

Mild: lifestyle. Moderate: lifestyle + surgical consultation. Severe: multi-procedure surgical correction with CO₂ laser, performed by an ACVS Diplomate. Outcomes are best when surgery happens before age 2.

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or care.

BOAS Symptom Checker

Dr. Sarah Jenkins, DVM

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What is BOAS?

How vets diagnose BOAS

Treatment options

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Sarah Jenkins, DVM