Stenotic nares means the nares (nostrils) are pinched or narrow, making it more difficult for an animal to breathe, and resulting in a lot of open-mouth breathing and panting. The condition is part of the brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome common to short-nosed dog and cat breeds. Dog breeds commonly affected by stenotic nares include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pug, and Shih Tzu. Stenotic nares is a congenital trait, meaning an animal is born with it. Veterinarians can perform a simple surgery to help widen the nares, which can be done at the same time as a spay or neuter surgery.
Several resection techniques exist to help correct stenotic nares including alar wing amputation (Trader's technique), punch resection, vertical wedge, horizontal wedge, alapexy, and laser ablation. CO<sub>2</sub> laser repair of the stenotic nares is bloodless, allowing a clear view of the surgical field and more precise surgical incisions.
Since stenotic nares is congenital, there is no prevention other than breeding the trait out over generations.