In this article…
- What is Acid Reflux - GERD
- Who is at Risk of Acquiring GERD
- Causes of Acid Reflux – GERD
- Other Conditions That May Mimic the Symptoms of GERD
- Symptoms of GERD
- Strategy for Natural Treatment and Remedy
1.0 What is Acid Reflux - GERD
Acid Reflux in dogs is called Gastroesophageal reflux – GERD for short. GERD occurs when the sphincter muscle of the lower esophagus is damaged or weakened. The malfunctioning valve of the esophagus allows an uncontrollable reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids - bile salts, stomach acid and other GI juices to pass into the muscular tube that connects and passes food from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. The lining of the esophagus is not designed to tolerate the strong stomach acids. As a result the lining of the esophagus can become irritated and further damaged.
GERD can result in a mild or more severe condition:
- Mild esophagitis is a mild inflammation of the esophageal lining;
- Severe esophagitis causes damage to the deeper layers of the esophagus.
2.0 Who is at Risk of Acquiring GERD
- Dogs and cats of all ages;
- Dogs and cats with a genetic pre-disposition to acquiring GERDS – this includes Brachycephalic breeds (short nose, flat face breeds) that are most susceptible to GERD;
- For example:
- Bully breeds such as the –
- American Bulldog;
- American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terrier;
- Boston Terrier;
- Boxer;
- Cane Corso;
- Presa Canario;
- Pug;
- etc.
- Other dog breeds such as -
- American Cocker Spaniel,
- Lhasa Apso
- Shis Tzu
- Feline breeds such as –
- Himalayan Cats;
- Persian Cats;
- etc.
- Dogs and cats that may be subject to any of the conditions listed under ‘Causes’ of Acid Reflux - GERD’ as provided just below…
3.0 Causes of Acid Reflux - GERD
- Daily diet that contains a lot of fillers - i.e. grains, legumes, etc.
- Consumption of a meal (or a daily diet) that is very high in fat, or bad fats (poor quality fats.
- Consumption of too much food when the stomach is already full;
- Foreign matter in the esophagus;
- Genetic predisposition – brachycephalic breeds as noted in section 2.0 above;
- Hiatal hernia in the upper portion of the stomach – dogs with genetic pre-disposition for condition;
- Megaesphagus – a condition caused by improper functioning of esophagus muscles;
- Result of surgery:
- Side effect or adverse reaction to a veterinarian prescribed antibiotic or other drug;
- From improper fasting prior to surgery and/or;
- Improper positioning of the dog or cat during surgery;
- Placement of the breathing tube (used to provide anesthesia) and oxygen during surgery.
4.0 Other Conditions That May Mimic the
Symptoms of GERD
Symptoms of GERD
- Abscess;
- Cancer of the throat or mouth;
- Hiatal hernia;
- Ingestion of toxins;
- Tumor in the esophagus.
- Megaesophagus – a condition where the muscles of the esophagus fail to push the food into the stomach.
5.0 Symptoms of GERD
- Appetite loss;
- Burping;
- Chronic vomiting;
- Excessive salivation or drooling (in the case of severe esopagitis);
- Gagging after eating;
- Inactive after eating;
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