Diagnosis Of Acid Reflux In Dogs
Given the long list of possible reasons for acid reflux, Dr Odette Suter DVM advises asking your holistic veterinarian to look deeper to find the cause of your dog’s acid reflux. This helps identify the root of the problem and allows the veterinarian to manage the underlying reason for the condition.
Dr Suter treats acid reflux in dogs by starting with a physical exam, including an evaluation of the nervous system that includes:
Sometimes there are physical issues impeding proper digestion. There may be a misalignment of the body that impairs the vagus nerve, a major nerve that runs through the body. Loss of mobility can also contribute to gut issues and the ability to move food through the digestive process. Tight fascia within muscles and organs, scarring and arthritis can restrict movement. Even untrimmed toenails can affect posture and movement causing misalignments. A misalignment of the elbow or carpus (wrist) can lead to tension in the neck … and neck tension and pain in the front legs can compress the vagus nerve.
In some cases, Dr Suter will give a natural antacid to bring relief … and it can also be a diagnostic tool to determine if there’s too much or too little acid.
Other issues to check for include …
In severe cases she’ll do a biopsy, imaging (endoscopy, ultrasound, X-ray, fluoroscopy ).
Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs
How is gastric reflux treated and managed in dogs?
Most gastroesophageal reflux cases respond well to medical management. Different medications and changes in diet are often necessary to successfully treat the disease.
Transitioning to a highly digestible, low-protein, and low-fat diet helps control the stomach’s acid production which then helps manage the signs associated with gastric reflux.
Antacids such as famotidine help further control gastric acid production, while medications like aluminum hydroxide and sucralfate can be given to neutralize gastric fluids flowing back to the esophagus and coat its lining for protection. Prokinetic medications like metoclopramide help improve the rate of peristalsis of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine and help prevent the backward flow of gastric and intestinal fluid to the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux due to anatomical problems such as hiatal hernia would require surgery to treat. Spreading out meals to smaller portions and more frequent feeding can also help manage the disease.
Most of these treatment and management pointers can easily be done at home with proper diet, medication, and nutrition. It’s best to consult a vet if you suspect that your dog may be having gastric reflux to get appropriate treatment and help.
Acid Reflux in Dogs
Gastric reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is characterized by the reverse flow of gastric acid from the stomach back into the esophagus, a tubular organ connecting the mouth to the stomach. It is a well-documented condition in humans and can be effectively managed with proper treatments. Given the similarities between a human’s and a dog’s digestive system, it’s safe to ask if this common digestive condition in humans also affects dogs. Does it have the same clinical presentation in dogs as it has in humans, and can it be treated and managed with the same medications? Keep reading to find out!
The stomach is the dog’s main organ of digestion. It produces gastric acid that helps break down ingested food into smaller molecules for further enzymatic digestion or absorption along the intestine. The stomach propels the food down the small intestine through peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction of the stomach and the intestine allowing food to travel down its length.
Gastroesophageal reflux happens when the rate of peristalsis slows down and the opening at the end of the esophagus (called a sphincter) relaxes and opens up, allowing the gastric acid and digestive enzymes from the stomach to flow back, upwards to the esophagus. This irritates the lining of the esophagus resulting in inflammation (esophagitis) and pain.
The condition is more commonly seen in younger dogs, but dogs of any age may be affected. Shar-Peis are over-represented but it can happen to any breed.