Are there other conditions associated with BOAS?

Over time, BOAS can lead to other health issues as a dog is working much harder to move air. Some conditions may appear alongside BOAS:

• Weakening of the voice box (laryngeal collapse) – When a dog struggles to breathe for a long time, the cartilage in the throat can weaken and start to collapse inward, making breathing even harder.
• Lower airway collapse (bronchial collapse) – If the upper airway becomes very compromised, the smaller airways deeper in the chest can also start to narrow or collapse.
• Digestive issues – Dogs with BOAS often swallow more air when trying to breathe, which can lead to problems like reflux, vomiting, or even a sliding stomach (hiatal hernia). Many of these digestive issues often improve once their airway is corrected.
• Aspiration pneumonia – Because breathing and swallowing become more difficult, there is an increased risk of food or liquid accidentally entering the lungs, which can cause a serious infection.