Vet wants to perform cosmetic surgery

by Huxley
(Knoxville, TN)

Our vet, who has been wonderful since day one with our 4-month old BT puppy, wants to perform cosmetic surgery. At 6 months we plan to spay our female BT and the vet suggested that while she's under anesthesia they would like to widen her nostrils and trim her palate with laser surgery. Because of the astronomical price we'll probably opt not to do it but I'm curious, has anyone else had a vet suggest these procedures and if so, did you act on it? Were the results worth it?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

Comments for
Vet wants to perform cosmetic surgery

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Dec 31, 2010
 surgery
by: Anonymous

Your Boston's nostrils will expand as he grows, think about that. But some Boston does need the surgery, eventually.
Sep 09, 2010
 We did it and don't regret it!
by: Boston Lover

Our youngest Boston was not very active. He slept all the time and never played. When we took him to the vet for vaccinations and to schedule his fix the vet suggested the surgery to widen his nostrils and the palate fix. She told us she didn't think that he was getting enough oxygen! I just couldn't imagine NOT getting the surgery after knowing that fact. When we brought him home after the surgery he was not the same dog. He was CRAZY hyper and still is. We had to teach him how to play and he just never stops. He is a joy and the surgery was well worth the money. It's definitely NOT cosmetic although it's a fun conversation starter to tell people that your dog got a nose job!
Apr 23, 2010
 Not cosmetic
by: Anonymous

This is not cosmetic. I had it done to my boston while he was being fixed and he breaths so much better. If your vet suggested it I would do it. I believe it enhances their quality of life. Prior to this he would often act as if he couldn't breath at times, struggling to suck in air. I'm glad I paid the extra money and I think he is too. Now if he'd just stop pooping in the house:)
Mar 20, 2010
 correctve surgery
by: Anonymous

As a vet, I can tell you, this procedure is not done for cosmetic reasons, but for health reasons. If the nares are stenotic (nostril holes too small) and/or the soft palate is too long, the dog could suffer severe respiratory problems, especially if it becomes over-excited or over-heated. We had a crisis with a Boston Terrier with brachiocephalic syndrome in my office last week, and it was touch-and-go for a while. Pugs, Bulldogs, and other short-faced dogs can have this problem. If your vet feels the dog is at risk for brachiocephalic syndrome and would benefit from surgical intervention, I would seriously consider it. Maybe get a second opinion, from a board-certified surgeon, before dismissing this recommendation purely based on costs alone.
Mar 18, 2010
 MONEY HUNGRY
by: Anonymous

Unless it is for medical reasons I would tell your vet to shove off! I love my snorty BT!
Mar 18, 2010
 wondering
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

Did he tell you they were medically indicated corrections? Is she having trouble breathing? Does her palate look normal?
Mar 18, 2010
 cosmetic surgery
by: Anonymous

omg - What an awful suggestion - I think this is crazy - it is bad enough on humans

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