Dog given 'nose job' in Surrey to help her breathe seeks new home

A rescue dog who struggled to breathe because her nostrils were too small has undergone a life-changing 'nose job' at a Surrey veterinary clinic.

Five-year-old bulldog cross Callie arrived at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham in July after her previous owner could no longer care for her.

Underweight and withdrawn, she had spent much of her life confined to a crate and was also suffering from ear problems and flea-related skin allergies.

But as Callie began to recover and show her affectionate personality, staff noticed something else was wrong.

Despite weighing around 24kg at her ideal weight, her nostrils were no bigger than those of a pug, a breed typically weighing just 7kg.

The unusually narrow openings were making it difficult for her to breathe.

Kate Macneill, behaviour and welfare advisor at Millbrook, said: “Callie’s nostrils were far, far too small for a dog of her size – they were more like the size of a pug.

“A dog of Callie’s size with nostrils that small was causing her huge problems – so essentially, she needed a ‘nose job’ to widen her nostrils so she could finally breathe properly.

“Bull-type breeds are still very popular and they make wonderful pets – but it’s heartbreaking when we see dogs like Callie, who face struggles like this so needlessly because of being bred to have a certain ‘trendy’ look.”

Callie was examined by celebrity vet Dr Scott Miller, a regular on ITV's This Morning, at his Chobham veterinary practice.

She underwent surgery to widen her nostrils and shorten her soft palate, helping to improve the flow of air into her lungs.

The procedure is used to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a condition affecting some flat-faced dogs.

Dr Miller said: “Callie is an absolute delight! Such a gorgeous girl – but with a flat face and narrow nostrils, Callie came to The Chobham Vet struggling to breathe and gain weight.

“After performing BOAS procedures of a soft palate resection, naroplasty (enlargement of the nostrils) and spay, Callie is now breathing far easier and has put on weight.”

The surgery was a success, and Callie has made a full recovery.

Dr Miller, who shared her story with his 133,000 Instagram followers, said his veterinary team had fallen in love with their patient.

“She truly is a lovely girl. The entire team at The Chobham Vet have fallen in love with her and she will make a wonderful canine companion for the lucky person.”

Now breathing more comfortably and enjoying a new lease of life, Callie is ready to find a family of her own.

Staff at Millbrook describe her as a bright, affectionate dog who loves nothing more than curling up on the sofa with her favourite people.

Kate said: “Callie really is a special girl – she’s so bright and affectionate, she loves human company and is happiest when she can snuggle up close to her favourite people.

“She’s such a cuddle bug and her favourite spot is curled up on a sofa. Callie is so loving, but she has no concept of personal space and she loves to get as close to you as she physically can!”

Although friendly with other dogs, Callie's enthusiasm means she would be best suited to a home where she is the only pet dog.

Her ideal family would have someone at home for much of the day while she gradually learns to spend time alone.

She also needs a secure private garden and could live with children of secondary-school age or older.

Kate added: “With continued care, patience and lots of love, we know she’ll make someone the most wonderful companion.”

Callie's experience has also highlighted concerns about the health problems faced by dogs bred for exaggerated physical features.

The RSPCA says flat-faced breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, chronic skin infections and other conditions that affect their quality of life.

Although surgery can improve breathing, the charity warns that it is not a complete cure and affected dogs may continue to experience health problems.

Ashleigh Brown, the RSPCA's science and policy manager, said: “We remain concerned about the welfare implications of selective breeding for exaggerated features that are highly unnatural for the species, like brachycephalic dogs.

“They can predispose dogs to many significant health disorders, prevent them from expressing important behaviours and sadly reduce their quality of life – in addition to being distressing and hugely expensive for owners.”

The charity is calling for stronger breeding regulations and encouraging prospective owners to consider adopting rescue animals rather than buying pets based on their appearance.

Callie's search for a home comes during the RSPCA's annual Adoptober campaign, which highlights animals waiting for new families.

Anyone interested in adopting Callie can apply through the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre.