Gastro-oesophageal reflux in large-sized, deep-chested versus small-sized, barrel-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anagnostou, Tilemahos L.; Kazakos, George M.; Savvas, Ioannis; Kostakis, Charalampos; Papadopoulou, Paraskevi
• Is Part Of: Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. Volume 44:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: deep chest -- dog -- gastro-oesophageal reflux -- oesophagitis -- sternal recumbency; Veterinary anesthesia -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/vaa.12404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-2987

Abstract

Abstract: 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).