Anagnostou TL, Kazakos GM, Savvas I, Kostakis C, Papadopoulou P. Gastro-oesophageal reflux in large-sized, deep-chested versus small-sized, barrel-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency.
Vet Anaesth Analg 2017;
44:35-41. [PMID:
27388495 DOI:
10.1111/vaa.12404]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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).
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