August 23, 2023 – Missouri- While the respiratory and digestive systems of dogs have already been studied independently, researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the University of Missouri are studying the interplay between disorders of either of these systems over the past decade. One of their most recent studies confirms a strong link between the two systems, finding that 75% of dogs with respiratory disease without gastrointestinal (GI) signs had one or more coexisting abnormalities. of the digestive system.
The findings, which may advance the diagnosis and treatment of canine diseases, indicate that dog owners and clinicians should attempt to identify and closely monitor potential digestive issues in dogs with respiratory diseases, even when the dogs don’t seem to have any trouble swallowing. , regurgitate or vomit.
“Dogs who come to our clinic with signs of respiratory illness, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, can often have upper aerodigestive tract problems,” said Carol Reinero, a CVM professor who led the study. study. “It makes sense because it is in this area where these pathways intersect that a healthy dog should breathe in and not swallow or swallow and not breathe in, but when that goes haywire, he can develop disease, including including the possibility of swallowing too much air or getting food or water into the lungs.
Photographer: Karen Clifford of CVM
In the study, a video x-ray was taken while each dog ate and drank in a natural position (standing) to look for abnormalities in swallowing or the movement of material in or out of the animal’s stomach. .
In the study, which included 45 dogs with respiratory clinical signs without gastrointestinal signs and 15 healthy dogs as a control group, a video X-ray was taken while each dog ate and drank in a natural position (standing ) to check for anomalies. during ingestion or movement of material into or out of the animal’s stomach. The results showed that dogs with respiratory conditions were much more likely to have abnormalities such as accidental breathing of food or liquid into the lungs, a condition known as aspiration, gastroesophageal reflux or extraesophageal and swallowing difficulties than control dogs.
Studies like this highlight the fact that this link between respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, also known as aerodigestive disorders, has been underestimated for many years. These patients are one of the reasons Reinero and Aida Vientós-Plotts, both veterinarians with specialized training in internal medicine, co-founded the BREATHE Clinic in 2022. BREATHE, an acronym for Bringing Respiration and Aerodigestion Toward Health, is a sub -speciality. clinic within the CVM which aims to help patients suffering from respiratory and aerodigestive disorders.
Photographer: Karen Clifford of CVM
The results showed that dogs with respiratory conditions were much more likely to have abnormalities such as accidental breathing of food or liquid into the lungs, a condition known as aspiration, gastroesophageal reflux or extraesophageal and swallowing difficulties than control dogs.
“When patients come in for an assessment, we ask very specific questions about the animal’s environment, their diet, whether or not their cough is associated with eating or drinking, or if their animal drops food when he eats, among other things,” Vientós-Parcelles said. “Answers to these questions can help inform our recommendations for additional diagnostic tests that allow us to provide a comprehensive plan for each individual patient. »
Photographer: Karen Clifford of CVM
Studies like this highlight the fact that this link between respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, also known as aerodigestive disorders, has been underestimated for many years.
Doctors explained that depending on the situation, management strategies that can help improve patients’ quality of life may include changes in diet, alternatives to water, surgery, or referrals. to gain or lose weight.
“Sometimes we may recommend switching from kibble to canned food or adjusting macronutrients for more or less protein or fat,” Vientós-Plotts said.
Vientós-Plotts added that French Bulldogs and other flat-faced or “squashed” breeds are much more likely to have respiratory and gastrointestinal problems than most dog breeds.
“It’s because their respiratory tissues are squashed into a much smaller area, so the holes to get air in are smaller,” Reinero said. “When they have trouble breathing, it can cause reflux or a herniated stomach, and they also tend to get very excited about eating, so they can forget to breathe until they are swallowing, which can cause food or liquid to enter their lungs. .”
According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog was recently ranked as the most popular dog breed in the United States, overtaking the Labrador Retriever, which held the top spot for the previous 31 years.
Although this study evaluated a wide variety of small and large breeds with different facial conformations and found an overall link between respiratory and digestive disorders, it highlights that aerodigestive disorders appear to be common and can occur in any dog from company.
Videofluoroscopic swallow study abnormalities identify aerodigestive disorders in dogs with respiratory disease compared to healthy controls was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Funding was provided by the Canine Health Foundation. Study co-authors include Jennifer Howard, Megan Grobman and Teresa Lever.
Related reading
Experts Speak Out on Coconut Oil for Dogs (With Infographic)
Fight Canine Cancer With These 8 Antioxidants + Dog Treats Recipe