Dog Acid Reflux

Gastro esophageal reflux in dogs is a condition where the gastric fluids present in the stomach and intestines flow back into the mouth through the tubes that connect the mouth with the stomach. This usually occurs when the muscular opening present right at the base of the esophagus relaxes for a brief period.

When the muscular opening relaxes in this manner, the gastric juices accidentally flow back into the mouth, bringing with it a bitter acidic taste in the mouth. This could cause chronic dog vomiting. Gastro esophageal reflux is extremely common in dogs. However, younger dogs and puppies are more susceptible to it than older dogs.

Pepsin, an acid in the stomach, in addition to bile juice, salts and other gastric acids can damage the lining of the esophagus. When in the stomach, they are contained by the thick muscular walls of the stomach. However, the esophageal lining is not as strong as the lining of the stomach.

Depending upon the amount of acids that flow into the mouth, varying amounts of damage can be caused. When the amount is not very large, there is a mild inflammation of the esophagus. However, when the reflux is large, it could cause ulceration of the esophagus, damaging not only the lining, but also the deeper tissue.
If the dog is seen spitting up frequently or is whining and howling in pain, it may indicate gastro esophageal reflux. The dog may not be able to swallow if the esophagus has been damaged badly. The dog may exhibit general lack of appetite and weight loss. In extreme cases, there may be a lot of salivation accompanied with fever.

Gastro esophageal reflux may be caused when the dog is being operated upon and is given anesthesia. Anesthesia may cause the esophagus to relax and the muscular opening to enlarge. If the dog is positioned incorrectly while surgery, that too could cause the reflux. It is therefore recommended that the dog should be made to fast on the day such a surgery needs to be performed.

The dog is subjected to an examination known as esophagoscopy to check for damage that may have been sustained by the dog. This is usually done by sedating the dog and then inserting an endoscope inside the dog’s mouth to capture a video of the esophagus. Sometimes, the examination also reveals in structural irregularities present in the esophagus of the dog.