Gastroesophageal reflux in dogs undergoing convencional or video-assisted ovariohysterectomy

ABSTRACT Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when gastric or duodenal contents flow back into the esophagus by retroperistalsis, which leads to several signs and clinical implications. The incidence of intraoperative gastroesophageal reflux in canines is unknown. The aim of this study was, using flexible endoscopy, to assess the presence and quantify gastroesophageal reflux in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy by two surgical approaches (conventional and video-assisted by two portals-access), pre-medicated with morphine. 100% of dogs submitted to video-assisted and 30% of dogs submitted to conventional ovariohysterectomy presented some reflux degree. Reflux intensity was higher in dogs submitted to the minimally invasive procedure, since they (10 out of 10 animals) had at least one reflux classified in R4 while the others (three out of 10) had a maximum reflux in degree R3 according to the planned scale for this research. The laparoscopic procedures under the used anesthetic protocol promote more gastroesophageal reflux than the conventional ones.