Is Surgery Riskier for French Bulldogs Than Other Breeds?

A French Bulldog with a Neck Mass Near the Trachea: Why Must the Airway Be Corrected First for Safer Surgery?
Brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog are uniquely charming, but medically they belong to a group with high respiratory risk, especially when major surgery or general anesthesia is required.

This article explains an important case involving a French Bulldog that required surgical removal of a neck mass located near the trachea, and the medical reasons why the veterinary team at Erawan Animal Hospital chose to correct the airway first to improve safety for the primary surgery.

Why Are French Bulldogs at Higher Surgical Risk?
French Bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds, which commonly have airway abnormalities such as:
- Stenotic (narrow) nostrils
- Elongated soft palate
- Narrow trachea
- Poor airflow and ventilation
When anesthesia is required, potential risks include:
- Breathing difficulty during and after surgery
- Oxygen deprivation
- Delayed recovery from anesthesia
Therefore, surgical planning for French Bulldogs must consider more than just the location of the mass.

Case Challenge: Neck Mass Located Near the Trachea
In this case, the patient had a neck mass adjacent to the trachea, increasing treatment complexity because:
- The area directly affects breathing
- Postoperative swelling or compression may occur
- Pre-existing airway narrowing increases the risk of emergency respiratory distress
The veterinary team determined that removing the mass immediately without correcting the airway would create an unacceptably high risk.

Treatment Strategy: Correct the Root Risk Before Mass Removal
To maximize safety, the medical team designed a stepwise treatment plan:
1. Airway Correction Surgery
Before removing the mass, procedures were performed to improve airflow:
- Surgical correction of tracheal narrowing to increase airflow
- Nostril widening to improve air intake
These procedures reduce respiratory effort, improve anesthetic safety, and lower postoperative complication risks.
2. Close Recovery Monitoring
After airway surgery, veterinarians closely monitored:
- Breathing function
- Oxygen levels
- Recovery from anesthesia
This ensured the patient was stable and ready for the next surgical stage.
3. Safe Mass Removal Surgery
Once the airway was stable, the neck mass was removed under careful planning and continuous intraoperative monitoring.

Important Lessons for French Bulldog Owners
- Brachycephalic breeds require more detailed surgical planning than other dogs.
- Staged procedures may be safer than performing all procedures at once.
- A hospital experienced in surgery, anesthesia, and airway management is essential.

Erawan Pet Hospital: Surgery with Breed-Specific Understanding
We manage complex cases based on:
- Understanding breed-specific anatomy and risks
- Reducing risk factors before primary treatment
- Individualized surgical planning
For brachycephalic breeds, airway safety is the foundation of successful treatment.