🔍 Key Findings
- Esophageal pH-monitoring was well tolerated in all 35 nonbrachycephalic dogs, with no major adverse events reported.
- Distal GER occurred in 80% of dogs, but events were typically brief and non-productive; proximal GER occurred in only 39%.
- Upper reference limits for GER were 2.4 events/hour (distal) and 0.4 events/hour (proximal).
- Cumulative acid exposure was minimal: upper limits were 2.3% (distal) and 0% (proximal).
- Comparison with brachycephalic dogs shows significantly higher GER frequency and duration, validating the diagnostic utility of pH monitoring.
- Transnasal probe placement under light anesthesia was safe and less morbid compared to percutaneous or conscious techniques.
- No expelled or productive regurgitation occurred, despite some GER events, indicating efficient esophageal clearance in healthy dogs.
- Diet and fasting duration may affect GER, but these were not controlled variables in this study.
