New Perspectives in the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Dogs

Presentation Description / Summary: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people is among the most common diseases seen by gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians, and is being increasingly recognized in both people and dogs as an important and common cause of chronic bronchitis, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic persistent cough. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is commonly observed in dogs during general anesthesia and can cause esophagitis and esophageal stricture formation. This interactive case-based presentation utilizing audience polling for questions posed throughout the session will review the pathogenesis of GER and its sequelae utilizing survey radiographs, fluoroscopic swallow studies, esophagoscopy videos, and esophageal pH studies for interpretation. The etiopathogenesis of GER in brachycephalic canine breeds with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and hiatal hernia will be compared to that of non-brachycephalic breeds, and new perspectives on the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management and prevention of GER will be presented, including endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Attendees will understand the pathogenesis and most common causes of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in dogs 2. Attendees will be able to implement a diagnostic plan to confirm the presence of GER and its underlying cause(s) 3. Attendees will be able to formulate an appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic strategy for managing dogs with GER