Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/13/2010

Question
I have a 5 month old Boston Terrier.  I have been told from my vet that she sould have surgery to correct Stenotic Nares.  Is stenotic nares a disorder that puppies can grow out of as they get older, or is something that tends to get worse with age?

Answer
Stenotic nares don't usuallyt open up on their own with age.  There are 2 other things that go along with stenotic nares that contribute to snoring and poor oxygenation.  One is an elongated soft palate and the other is everted laryngeal saccules. Have the vet check for these also and correct them at the same time.