Canine Acid Reflux Symptoms, TreatmentsCan dogs get acid reflux? Yes, they certainly can. Gastroesophageal reflux or dog acid reflux is a condition where there is an uncontrolled reverse flow of the intestinal fluids or the gastric juices. These fluids flow into the tube that connects the stomach and the throat. This happens when the muscular opening, which is there at the base of the sphincter, relaxes for a brief period of time. This can happen if the dog is vomiting a lot too. Dogs’ acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux can happen to dogs of any age, though it you should keep in mind that younger dogs have a greater chance of suffering from acid reflux. During acid reflux, the gastric fluids that contain bile salts, pepsin, acid and other components, can damage the delicate mucus lining of the esophagus. This causes esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus. This condition can affect dogs as well as cats.
Signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Dogs
The damage caused by acid reflux can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs might suffer from mild esophagitis, where in, there is mild inflammation of the mucus lining. In serious cases, dogs might suffer from ulcerative esophagitis that damages deeper layers of the lining. Some of the symptoms of canine acid reflux include howling or whining while eating food (the dog is showing pain), regurgitation of food, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Excessive salivation and fever are symptoms of severe esophagitis. If your dog is showing these symptoms, we suggest you take him to the vet for a physical examination. Canine Acid Reflux Causes
There are several possible causes: - Anesthesia can cause the opening between the gastroesophageal sphincter and the stomach to relax.
- Not fasting the dog before anesthesia or bad positioning of the dog while administering anesthesia can cause acid reflux.
- Congenital hiatal hernia in dog can increase the risk of acid reflux in canines.
- Severe vomiting for a long time can bring on acid reflux too.
- A young dog, whose sphincters are still forming, is at a greater risk.
Treatment for Acid Reflux in Dogs
Dogs are treated by fasting them for a day or two. After that they are put on a strict dietary regimen – meals are low fat and low protein and given in small quantities at regular intervals. They might also be given medicines, gastrointestinal pro-kinetic agents.
Gastroesophageal reflux Prevention in Dogs:
Do remember that foods rich in fats can be bad for a dog suffering from acid reflux. For dog health care, try to feed healthy dog diet that is low in fat. |
