A study found that the human decongestant xylometazoline significantly reduces bleeding in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
Key facts
- •The study was a multicenter collaboration involving researchers from Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
- •Dr. Jun-Yan Sek presented the findings at the European College of Veterinary Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting in Liverpool in July 2026.
- •Researchers believe this is the first study to quantitatively evaluate the hemostatic effect of xylometazoline in dogs undergoing nasal surgery.
- •The research team suggests that larger multicenter studies are necessary to confirm these findings and optimize dosing protocols.
A study led by Dr. Jun-Yan Sek of JCUVet and James Cook University has found that the over-the-counter human nasal decongestant xylometazoline hydrochloride can effectively control bleeding during surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs. The research, published in Veterinary Surgery, suggests the spray provides a clearer surgical field for veterinarians operating on short-nosed breeds like pugs and French bulldogs.
By the numbers
Study Methodology and Results
Researchers conducted a study on 30 dogs undergoing BOAS surgery, randomly assigning them to receive either a 0.1% intranasal xylometazoline spray or saline before the procedure. Dogs treated with xylometazoline experienced 62% less median intraoperative hemorrhage compared to the control group. Furthermore, the median time for bleeding to stop decreased from 20 minutes in the saline group to 14 minutes in the xylometazoline group. Additional findings showed that none of the 17 dogs treated with xylometazoline required rescue treatment for persistent bleeding, whereas 10 of the 13 dogs in the saline group required such intervention.
Clinical Implications
BOAS surgery often involves widening narrowed nostrils and the nasal vestibule in dogs with already compromised airways. Dr. Sek noted that blood accumulation during these procedures can obscure the surgical field and complicate recovery by potentially contributing to airway obstruction or aspiration pneumonia. By improving hemorrhage control, the spray may reduce the need for prolonged bleeding management and improve safety for these high-risk patients.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
