Specialist Care
We offer some of the Northwest’s specialist pet care services right here in Cheshire, including BOAS Assessments.
Specialist Pet Services
Respiratory Function
Grading Scheme Specialists
What is Respiratory Function Grading?
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge's Respiratory Function Grading Scheme assess Bulldogs, French Bulldogs & Pugs for a breathing problem known as BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
Our resident Vet, James Dutfield, is one of only a few regionally approved assessors (vets trained specially in BOAS) appointed to carry out respiratory function grading on dogs of these breeds. Dogs can be assessed from the age of 12 months, and this should be repeated every two years for their lifetime or until you stop using them for breeding.
What is BOAS?
Dogs with flat, wide-shaped heads are brachycephalic ('brachy' means short, and 'cephalic' means head). The soft tissue found in the nose & throat of some brachycephalic dogs may be excessive for the airway size, partially obstructing the airway making it difficult for the dog to breathe normally (potentially causing heavy panting or noisy breathing).
This condition is known as BOAS and is a progressive disorder that can impair a dog's ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.
How can I book a test?
If you own a brachycephalic dog such as a Pug, British Bulldog or French Bulldog and you have concerns over your dog's breathing, or you are thinking of having a litter and want to get your dog tested first, then in the first instance, please register your pet with us.
Once registered, you can book a Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme or BOAS test consultation. You may be asked to send some short videos of your dog beforehand (sleeping, resting, and exercising). The cost of the test is a consultation fee + £5.
We advise testing after 12 months of age then every 2 years after the first test.
What happens on the day of the test?
On the day, please bring your dogs kennel club registration certificate and microchip details. Please wear shoes you can run/exercise your dog in as the test involves a short 3-minute run.
Your dog will be assessed by a specially trained vet who will use a stethoscope to listen to your dog breathing while they are calm and relaxed. Your dog will then be exercised at a brisk pace for 3 minutes, either by yourself, the vet or a nurse. The vet will then listen to your dog's breathing again and use a list of criteria to give a grade.
You will be given a copy of the assessment on the day. Another copy will be kept for our records, and a third copy will be sent to The Kennel Club.
What does each grade mean?
Grade 0
Your dog is clinically unaffected and free from signs of BOAS.
Grade 1
Your dog is clinically unaffected but is showing some mild respiratory signs of BOAS.
Grade 2
Your dog is clinically affected and shows moderate respiratory signs of BOAS; these dogs should be monitored and may require treatment.
Grade 3
Remember, the disease is progressive and can worsen over time, so we recommend that any dogs showing any respiratory signs be tested every 2 years.
Can I appeal my dog's grade?
Any appeals must be lodged in writing to The Kennel Club within 30 days of the examination. Following this, the owner can take the dog with the original certificate issued for an additional examination under the Chief Assessor. The decision of The Chief Assessor is final.
What treatment options are available?
There are surgical corrections that can be performed on the nostrils, soft palate and tonsils. Occasionally laryngeal saccules and surgery of the larynx may be required.
Not every dog exhibiting signs of BOAS will require all of these surgeries; in some cases, the obstruction is being caused in just one area.
Plus, remember that results between individuals can vary as there are factors that can affect your dog's breathing that can not be operated on (such as a narrow windpipe or excessive nasal bones) or environmental factors such as your dog's age and weight the seasonal temperature.
Your dog is clinically affected and is showing severe respiratory signs of BOAS. It is likely your dog will require treatment. Dogs graded as 3 should not be used for breeding.
Meet Your Vet
Dr James Dutfield
James is our senior resident vet, he qualified from Liverpool University in 2005.
Originally from Devon, he has lived in the North West for the last 20 years and has just bought his forever home with his partner in Mobberley. It’s James’s mission to create a local veterinary service that has the mission to be:
INDEPENDENT
As a local independent veterinary practice in Goostrey, Cheshire, we can be flexible to your needs with zero ties to large corporate entities.
COMPASSIONATE
Confident and competent, dedicated advice and services from experienced, caring veterinary professionals.
CARING
We treat, advise and care for all pets as if they are our own, helping you provide for your pet the way you want to.
Find out more about James. the Team and Goostrey Lane Vets
Pet Veterinary Services
Our extensive range of services for any pet
Veterinary Health Checks & Consultations
Suppose you have concerns or need any advice on caring for your pet. We have a team of friendly qualified vets and nurses to provide detailed and jargon-free consultation and detailed treatment plans to suit any budget, in a holistic approach for every pet we see.
On-Site Surgery
We have comprehensive operating theatre facilities on-site, allowing us to perform all types of surgery and procedures. Our separate dog and cat wards ensure all our patients remain as stress-free as possible throughout their treatment and stay.
Vaccinations, Neutering & Specialist Services
We specialise in the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme & brachycephalic work, including Cambridge University & Kennel club Boas assessment for bulldogs and pugs. We also provide a complete and detailed program of vaccinations & neutering for all pets.
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