Gastro-oesophageal reflux in large-sized, deep-chested versus small-sized, barrel-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether an increased frequency of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is more common in large-sized, deep-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency than in small-sized, barrelchested dogs. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, cohort study. ANIMALS Nineteen small-sized, barrel-chested dogs (group B) and 26 large-sized, deep-chested dogs (group D). METHODS All animals were premedicated with intramuscular (IM) acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) and pethidine (3 mg kg-1) IM. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous sodium thiopental and maintained with halothane in oxygen. Lower oesophageal pH was monitored continuously after induction of anaesthesia. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was considered to have occurred whenever pH values > 7.5 or < 4 were recorded. If GOR was detected during anaesthesia, measures were taken to avoid aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs and to prevent the development of oesophagitis/oesophageal stricture. RESULTS The frequency of GOR during anaesthesia was significantly higher in group D (6/26 dogs; 23.07%) than in group B (0/19 dogs; 0%) (p = 0.032). Signs indicative of aspiration pneumonia, oesophagitis or oesophageal stricture were not reported in any of the GOR cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In large-sized, deep-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency, it would seem prudent to consider measures aimed at preventing GOR and its potentially devastating consequences (oesophagitis/oesophageal stricture, aspiration pneumonia).

[1]  D. Brodbelt,et al.  The risk of passive regurgitation during general anaesthesia in a population of referred dogs in the UK. , 2012, Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.

[2]  A. Kapatkin,et al.  The influence of esomeprazole and cisapride on gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia in dogs. , 2012, Journal of veterinary internal medicine.

[3]  I. Savvas,et al.  The effect of pre-anaesthetic fasting time and type of food on gastric content volume and acidity in dogs. , 2009, Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.

[4]  Deborah V. Wilson,et al.  Influence of metoclopramide on gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs. , 2006, American journal of veterinary research.

[5]  K. Pratschke,et al.  Barrier pressure at the gastroesophageal junction in anesthetized dogs. , 2001, American journal of veterinary research.

[6]  Brian Everitt,et al.  A Handbook of Statistical Analyses Using SPSS , 2003 .

[7]  D. Raptopoulos,et al.  Gastro-oesophageal reflux during anaesthesia in the dog: the effect of age, positioning and type of surgical procedure , 1995, Veterinary Record.

[8]  H. Pearson,et al.  Effect of body position on oesophageal and gastric pressures in the anaesthetised dog. , 1995, The Journal of small animal practice.

[9]  J W Buchanan,et al.  Vertebral scale system to measure canine heart size in radiographs. , 1995, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[10]  A. Waterman,et al.  Measurement of the length and position of the lower oesophageal sphincter by correlation of external measurements and radiographic estimations in dogs , 1991, Veterinary Record.