Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in 2 Young Dogs

Abstract

A 14-month-old, intact female Maltese (case 1) and a 26-month-old, spayed female Dachshund (case 2) had persistent regurgitation over 1 year and 2 years, respectively. In both cases, there were not specific findings in blood examination. Diagnostic imaging and fluoroscopy revealed that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurred when the patients ate a barium meal without abdominal contraction. They were treated with proton-pump inhibitor (esomeprazole), sucralfate and prokinetics (cisapride) while in a standing position for an hour after every meal, according to the gastroesophageal disease (GERD) suggested treatment. The case 1 dog was discharged with improved clinical signs, and the case 2 dog also had been improved clinical signs; however, aspiration pneumonia occurred in case 2, which was thought to be a complication from GERD. After receiving treatment for aspiration pneumonia, the case 2 dog was discharged from the hospital. Since there was no further improvement in symptoms after discharge, the case 1 dog was euthanized by owner's request, and the case 2 is alive, having only mild clinical signs upon the writing of this paper.