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Vet performs BOAS surgery on bulldog’s narrow nostrils
Callie arrived into the care of RSPCA Millbrook Animal centre in July.

Rescue dog Callie’s nostrils were too small for a dog of her size.

Celebrity vet Dr Scott Miller has performed ‘life-changing’ surgery on a bulldog cross with unusually narrow nostrils to help her finally breathe properly.

Dr Miller, who has a regular slot on ITV’s This Morning, performed Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery on rescue dog Callie at his clinic, The Chobham Vet.

Callie arrived into the care of RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in July, alongside two other dogs, after their previous owner could no longer care for them. Having spent much of her life confined to a crate, she was underweight and withdrawn, requiring treatment for ear problems and flea-related skin allergies.

With care and affection from the team at Millbrook, Callie blossomed into a loving and affectionate dog who enjoyed cuddles and spending time with people. However, the team soon noticed that she was struggling to breathe. Upon examination, they realised her nostrils were unusually narrow for a dog of her frame.

Kate Macneill, behaviour and welfare advisor at the centre in Chobham, Surrey, said: “Callie’s nostrils were far, far too small for a dog of her size - they were more like the size of a pug. Her ideal weight is around 24kg (53lb), and an average pug weighs around 7kg (15.5lb) - and actually, as a result of being brachycephalic, a pug also has very narrow nostrils compared to other dogs their size too.

“A dog of Callie’s size with nostrils that small was causing her huge problems - so essentially, she needed a ‘nose job’ to widen her nostrils so she could finally breathe properly.”

Assessed by Dr Miller at his clinic, Callie underwent surgery to shorten her soft palate, widen her nostrils, and be spayed, as she had been forced to breed before rescue.

Thankfully, the surgery was a complete success. Callie made a full recovery, and is now on the hunt for her forever home.

Dr Miller said: “She truly is a lovely girl. The entire team at The Chobham Vet have fallen in love with her and she will make a wonderful canine companion for the lucky person.”

Image (C) RSPCA.

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New RCVS Academy courses to remove barriers in vet care

News Story 1
 The RCVS Academy has launched two courses to its new client support series, as it seeks to improve accessibility in veterinary settings.

The courses will help professionals to support assistance dog partnerships and clients with hearing loss.

The Hearing loss and Assistance dogs courses saw RCVS project lead Catherine Hemingway collaborate with the British Deaf Association and Assistance Dogs UK. Vets will gain practical guidance on supporting clients with additional needs.

Each course takes an hour to complete, and can be accessed by RCVS registrants for free. 

Click here for more...
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