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Pet Health Watch with Dr. Main
Do Dogs Get Esophagitis?
D
o dogs get esophagitis, sometimes known as: “gerds”
(gastro-esophageal-reflux disorder?)
easily; and pool in the esophagus.
Therefore it is important to
monitor post op patients for any
gastrointestinal symptoms that
might relate to acid reflux.
Esophagitis is more common than most veterinarians
and pet owners might think. Most cases of esophageal
irritation and inflammation are caused by the reflux
or back flow of stomach fluid up into the esophagus.
Stomach fluid is very acidic and the esophageal lining is
not equipped to handle the acidity.
Mild cases of GERDS can be treated
successfully with medication.
Severe cases, especially if not
recognized early on, can be difficult
to treat, and may lead to strictures in the esophagus.
Other causes of esophagitis include ingestion of caustic
material and certain medications like doxycycline. In fact
doxycycline that is in capsule form can cause esophageal
stricture in cats.
Treatment involves three tactics. First and foremost is
to neutralize the stomach acid. This requires the use of
drugs known as proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole.
These drugs inhibit gastric acid secretion and need to be
given twice daily. Mild cases are treated for 7 days and
severe cases are treated for 30 days.
Esophagitis can be difficult to recognize even though it
occurs commonly. In mild cases there may be minimal
symptoms. These symptoms might include missing an
occasional meal, odd lip smacking and licking at things
more than usual, and perhaps regurgitation. More severe
cases could include drooling, lack of appetite, neck pain,
and refusing to swallow.
Second, is the mucosal protectant, sucralfate. This drug
is best used in the slurry form, and will bind to ulcerated
areas to protect the healing bed.
The vague symptoms and range of symptoms can
make esophagitis difficult to recognize. Looking at
the esophagus with an endoscope is the only way to
definitively diagnose esophagitis. Endoscopy does
involve anesthesia, but can be completed quickly. In
the evaluation of esophagitis a visual inspection is often
enough to make the diagnosis. This means collecting
biopsy samples is often not needed.
Thirdly are the use of prokinetic drugs like cisapride. These
drugs help the stomach to stay empty and also tighten the
lower esophageal sphincter. Omeprazole and cisapride are
the most important of the three medications.
In order to diagnose esophagitis one has to first consider
the condition as a possible differential. Unfortunately,
esophagitis can be overlooked or confused with more
common stomach problems. Delay in treatment can
lead to a worsening condition. Hopefully this article will
increase awareness of esophagitis and lead to earlier
treatments, as well as less pain for our patients.
One common event that can lead to esophagitis is
prolonged anesthesia; especially when the patient is laying
on their back. With anesthesia the tone of the esophagus
is weaker and hence stomach fluid can reflux more
WSHS Receives DuPage County Grant
W
est Suburban Humane Society was one of 31 DuPage County not-for-profit
organizations to receive a grant at the DuPage Foundation’s Holiday Open House
held on Wednesday, December 11. The DuPage Foundation awarded nearly $310,000 to
organizations working in the areas of Education, Arts and Culture, the Environment, and
Animal Welfare. The $15,000 grant received by West Suburban Humane Society will help
support our medical fund.
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