Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disease that occurs when there is damage to the muscles of the esophagus; In fact, there are many diseases that can affect the esophageal sphincter, causing reflux, i.e. the rise of gastric acid from the stomach to the throat.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Dog Cat Causes
Causes – gastroesophageal reflux dog cat
- Genetic predisposition – breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Cane Corsos, Pit-bulls, Persian cats
- Consuming food too quickly
- Secondary reactions to the use of certain antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Foreign Bodies
- Pre- and post-surgery (general anesthesia, surgical position, tube insertion)
- Megaesophagus
- Tumors
- Hiatal hernia
- Abdominal trauma
- Chronic vomiting
- Food allergies
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Hiatal hernia
- Neuromuscular pathology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Cat Dog Symptoms
- Excessive salivation – drooling
- Lack of appetite
- Food regurgitation
- Vomiting after eating
- Vomiting with blood
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever – pain – blood in the stool in cases of severe esophagitis
In the most severe forms, the animal swallows continuously and may manifest dysphagia, anorexia and regurgitation.
Reflux dog feeding
- Provide small and frequent meals
- Avoid letting the animal drink immediately after eating, do not offer very soupy or liquid food
- Enticing the animal to drink between meals: water helps buffer stomach acid
Reflux cat dog diet
- Reduce carbohydrates such as grains, refined sugars, starches, legumes
- Exclude dry food and kibble
- Reduce fat
- Prefer a fresh, natural and undercooked diet
Gastroesophageal reflux dog cat Natural remedies
- MSM
- B vitamins
- Red Elm
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Probiotics
- Digestive enzymes
- Hericium
- Kefir (no commercial products)
- Milk thistle
- Mastic of Chios
- Homeos 14 – 24
Pharmacological therapy of gastroesophageal reflux in dogs and cats involves:
- Barrier Agents, Gastric Mucosal Protection – Sucralfate
Sucralfate is an aluminum derivative of sucrose with anti-ulcer and protective properties of the digestive mucosa, coats the lesion and prevents the acid from continuing to damage the tissues of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Aluminum hydroxide is released in the process, which helps neutralize stomach acid almost immediately. Sucralfate can bind to and prevent the absorption of certain medications such as cimetidine, ketoconazole, quinolones, ranitidine, and tetracyclines. Due to these factors, it is recommended to administer the product 1 to 2 hours before food, then on an empty stomach, or one hour before meals. It can cause constipation and/or flatulence, in some cases drowsiness. It is indicated in ulcers, supportive in the course of uremic gastritis associated with chronic renal failure and in intestinal diseases, acute gastritis, chronic symptomatic gastritis, gastropathies from NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), reflux esophagitis.
- Gastric acidity inhibitors: cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole
Cimetidine: belonging to the category of Antiulcers and specifically H2 receptor antagonists. It is used for the treatment of gastritis, gastric ulcers, uremic gastritis, stress-related or drug-induced erosive gastritis, esophagitis, GERD. There are no particular contraindications, caution in elderly animals and with liver and kidney diseases, evaluate risk / benefit.
Ranitidine: Histamine H2 receptor antagonist – is an acid secretion inhibitor used in the treatment of ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn and other conditions associated with acid hypersecretion. In 2019, many batches were withdrawn because they contained a carcinogenic substance: N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) – no longer on the market
Famotidine: It is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers and to prevent the recurrence of intestinal ulcers. It is used to treat erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux.
Omeprazole: Omeprazole is used in the treatment and prevention of intestinal ulcers and to treat gastroesophageal reflux. Possible side effects of omeprazole are: constipation, nausea and vomiting.
- Prokinetic agents: cisapride, metoclopramide.
Cisapride: It is used to treat the symptoms of gastric reflux, especially when it manifests itself with burning. Contraindications: arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, renal failure, congestive heart failure.
Metoclopramide: it is an antiemetic and gastroprokinetic drug it is used in the short-term therapy of burning caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Contraindications: agitation, drowsiness.
Gastroesophageal reflux dog cat therapy
- Low-fat diet
- Gastric mucosal protection
- Drugs such as H2 receptor antagonists
- Prokinetic therapy with cisapride
- Possible surgical treatment (hiatal hernia)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Dog Cat Homeopathic Remedies
In case of GERD Reflux Gastroesophageal Reflux dog cat, the homeopathic remedy I recommend is this!
Natural gastroprotectors cat dog Discover the Integrated Solutions
Disclaimer: The Contents Are For Informational Purposes Only And Under No Circumstances Can They Constitute A Prescription Of A Treatment Or Substitute For A Specialist Visit Or Direct Relationship With Your Veterinarian/Doctor. All information reported here is derived from bibliographic sources, personal experiences and clinical studies in the public domain. All information on special diets and dietary supplements for pets is for informational purposes. This information serves as a general guideline, cannot be applied to all pets or considered as an alternative to professional advice. These pages include “Homeopathic preparations of non-scientifically validated efficacy and without approved therapeutic indications. The products are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and must be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Disclaimer and terms
