Soft palate surgery and nostril widening

Bloody passed away not long ago. He was an American Cocker Spaniel, and I had him operated on for his soft palate back in early July 2015 when he was nearly 9 years old. My vet was really helpful and gave me plenty of info on the surgery; he was very honest about everything. Bloody was struggling so much to breathe that the vet recommended a specialist clinic, as he didn't feel he had enough experience with that specific procedure. They got us an appointment really quickly—booked on the Monday for the Tuesday morning—so I arrived at the clinic the next day at 8.15 am. The staff were very kind and confirmed the plan: they’d put him under, do X-rays, blood tests—the whole works—and I gave them the green light as long as he was fit for surgery. I went back in the late morning just as the vet was finishing up. He told me he’d done the soft palate; apparently, the poor thing only had a gap the size of a sewing needle to breathe through. He also removed his tonsils at the same time. We didn't touch his nostrils, though, as that issue often recurs. Bloody had a bit of a hard time recovering from the op. I gave him lots of ice and other cold things to help. I took him back to the vet every morning for four days to get his meds, and he didn't start eating again until about 72 hours after the operation, and even then just a tiny bit. It cost around £500, not including the little extras on top. I was able to bring him home the same evening. I was so scared, but I know I would have regretted not doing it. There’s a really brilliant clinic near the local race circuit.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a clinic or a vet to perform surgery on the soft palate and nostrils, does anyone have any recommendations for a good place to go??

Hi everyone! On 14th March, Tyler, my 6-year-old Frenchie, had surgery on his soft palate and to widen his nostrils. I’d thought about it for a long time without really knowing what I was letting myself in for. I did a lot of research on this operation, which was stressing me out because he is my fur baby after all, and I wanted to know what would happen during and after. I couldn't find much about these procedures or people’s personal experiences. That’s why I’ve decided to share my day-to-day life with you since the operation. 21st February: First visit to the vet clinic for this famous operation to see if Tyler really needed it (even though we were convinced he did, given his breathing). We saw the surgeon who would be operating on our boy. He gave him a thorough check-up and mentioned that Tyler doesn't have any heart problems, by the way. Everything’s normal. Phew!! However, his breathing isn't great, and the operation is recommended. We asked for a quote. The surgery will cost us around £550, with an extra £20 if Tyler isn’t doing well or isn't eating when he wakes up. The price also includes the post-op follow-up. We agreed straight away and booked the appointment for 14th March at 9 am. Hi there, I need to have my pug operated on for the same reasons as your Tyler. Could you please send me your vet's details? I’m really scared. Knowing your vet was competent and seeing that the price is three times cheaper than what my vet quoted helps. Thank you in advance. Alice

Hi there! I had surgery myself on the 1st of February—a palatal expansion to widen the roof of my mouth. Was yours operated on for his soft palate? A widening as well? Do you know exactly what they did for him? In any case, his nostrils look like they’ve been done really well; they look much more open now. He looks absolutely precious in the photos. Is he on painkillers and anti-inflammatories? Hi, where did you have your dog’s surgery done?

Hi, my Frenchie had the same op as Tyler back in June 2019. It’s been three months now, and his nostrils have narrowed slightly again; he’s starting to struggle with his breathing at times... How is Tyler doing now, six months after his surgery? Have any of his breathing issues come back at all? Thanks for any help you can give.

Hi there, I'm really interested in your post as my dog is about to have the same surgery for the same reasons. Which vet clinic did you go to? How much did it cost? Thanks for your help!