Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How much acid reflux do flat-faced dogs have
By Appelgrein, Carla et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2022·School of Veterinary Medicine, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Quantification of gastroesophageal regurgitation in brachycephalic dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 51 brachycephalic dogs, like Bulldogs and Pugs, were evaluated for signs of gastroesophageal reflux, which can cause regurgitation and discomfort. Owners reported symptoms related to their dogs' breathing and gastrointestinal health, and the dogs underwent a test using an esophageal pH probe to measure acid levels in the esophagus over 18-24 hours. The results showed that 84% of the dogs had abnormal reflux, but interestingly, the severity of their symptoms didn't seem to correlate with the reflux levels measured. This study highlights the usefulness of pH testing to assess reflux in these breeds, especially before and after surgery.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog regurgitation · Bulldog reflux symptoms · Pug gastroesophageal reflux treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux and regurgitation occurs in brachycephalic dogs, but objective assessment is lacking. OBJECTIVES: Quantify reflux in brachycephalic dogs using an esophageal pH probe and determine the association with scored clinical observations. ANIMALS: Fifty-one brachycephalic dogs. METHODS: Case review study. Signs of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease severity were graded based on owner assessment. An esophageal pH probe with 2 pH sensors was placed for 18-24 hours in brachycephalic dogs that presented for upper airway assessment. Proximal and distal reflux were indicated by detection of fluid with a pH ≤4. The median reflux per hour, percentage time pH ≤4, number of refluxes ≥5 minutes and longest reflux event for distal and proximal sensors were recorded. Association of preoperative respiratory and gastrointestinal grade, laryngeal collapse grade, and previous airway surgery with the distal percentage time pH ≤4 was examined using 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: A total of 43 of 51 dogs (84%; 95% confidence interval 72-92) displayed abnormal reflux with a median (range) distal percentage time pH ≤4 of 6.4 (2.5-36.1). There was no significant association between the distal percentage time pH ≤4 and respiratory grade, gastrointestinal grade, laryngeal collapse grade, or previous upper airway surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The occurrence of reflux is not associated with owner-assessed preoperative respiratory and gastrointestinal grade, laryngeal collapse grade, and previous airway surgery. Esophageal pH measurement provides an objective assessment tool before and after surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35388526/