Quantification of gastroesophageal regurgitation in brachycephalic dogs

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.