BOAS Surgery & Cost

[T-TownChick]

Hello everyone,

I'm newer to English Bulldogs (I have raised, shown, rescued, and bred Great Danes for 20+ years), my boy Meatloaf is now 15 months old. I did my research to find an outstanding, responsible breeder who is very reputable in Washington and active with her Bulldogs. Unfortunately, I have multiple vets telling me that he needs the BOAS surgery. He does have all the symptoms and it's definitely affecting his quality of life, so of course I want to move forward with it. It's not only sad for his health but also because he is supposed to be a show dog and now I will be neutering him.

I was referred to the same surgeon by multiple vets, so I feel good about that. However, he works for a corporately-owned emergency clinic so the quote came back as $7,500 - $9,500. This is a lot and seems excessive! We're in Tacoma, Washington and am curious what others have paid? If you live in Washington, where did you take your babies?

Thank you for your help!
Nicole

 

[Cbrugs]

I’m in Washington as well but have never needed the surgery on any of my dogs. Just curious which vet you went to? Are you going to show your Meatloaf? I show my 2 girls and know/am friends with several breeders out here. If you wouldn’t mind, would you PM me the breeder’s name?

 

[T-TownChick]

I’m in Washington as well but have never needed the surgery on any of my dogs. Just curious which vet you went to? Are you going to show your Meatloaf? I show my 2 girls and know/am friends with several breeders out here. If you wouldn’t mind, would you PM me the breeder’s name?

We were referred to Summit Vet Hospital in Tacoma. Luckily, his breeder's vet in Mt. Vernon is going to do it for thousands less!!

He was shown during nationals in Olympia last September, he did ok but that was his first set of shows and he turned 6 months the day the shows started so he was a bit young. Unfortunately, with him having this health issue, I will not be showing him further. There's no way I would breed him with this so there's no point. He comes from amazing lines that have health tested quite well, so this is quite disappointing.

I'll PM you her info, I'm sure you know her or of her - she's absolutely lovely!

 

[Cbrugs]

We were referred to Summit Vet Hospital in Tacoma. Luckily, his breeder's vet in Mt. Vernon is going to do it for thousands less!!

He was shown during nationals in Olympia last September, he did ok but that was his first set of shows and he turned 6 months the day the shows started so he was a bit young. Unfortunately, with him having this health issue, I will not be showing him further. There's no way I would breed him with this so there's no point. He comes from amazing lines that have health tested quite well, so this is quite disappointing.

I'll PM you her info, I'm sure you know her or of her - she's absolutely lovely!

I was at Nationals with my two girls.

 

[oscarmayer]

The quoted price is absolutely insane. Even by West Coast standard...price is double what it should be. Consider not doing nares unless they are completely closed. Pup should be evaluated for hypoplastic trachea before doing soft palate surgery...as the palate reduction will be largely ineffective (and inherently more risky) if the trachea is narrow.

 

[benny]

“the best” in the Baltimore/DC area charged around 3500

Edit: he moved so I’m working on relocating.

 

[Fury]

Welcome!
We just had that surgery for Fury (our black seal bulldog) and wish we had done it sooner.

It was about $2000 for surgery and all of the antibiotics as well as a free follow up appointment visit.

Did the soft palate surgery as well as widening his nostrils, as well as remove pieces of his larynx to make room to breathe.

It was worth every penny. It was quoted $1500 low end to $2000 high end depending on how much needed to get removed while he was put under.

 

[helsonwheels]

I swear vets need to be cap on their prices. Absolutely ridiculous what they charge. You seriously need to shop around n even do the drive if possible.

 

[oscarmayer]

“the best” in the Baltimore/DC area charged around 3500

Edit: he moved so I’m working on relocating.

Dr Dove with Companion in Gainesville is worth a look.