Nash et al: Esophageal pH‐monitoring in nonbrachycephalic dogs: A reference
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2024

🔍 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.

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Nash et al: Esophageal pH‐monitoring in nonbrachycephalic dogs: A reference
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2024

🔍 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.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Nash 2024 et al., on esophageal pH monitoring, how did proximal GER characteristics in nonbrachycephalic dogs compare to those in brachycephalic dogs?

A. Proximal GER was more frequent and longer in nonbrachycephalic dogs

B. No difference was observed in GER characteristics between groups

C. Proximal GER was less frequent and shorter in nonbrachycephalic dogs

D. Proximal GER was absent in both groups

E. Nonbrachycephalic dogs had more severe regurgitation

Answer: Proximal GER was less frequent and shorter in nonbrachycephalic dogs

Explanation: Brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher and longer-duration GER, highlighting their risk for complications like aspiration.

In Nash 2024 et al., on esophageal pH monitoring, what was the primary method used to calculate upper reference limits for GER parameters?

A. Mean + 2SD

B. 95% confidence interval

C. Log transformation of data

D. Median + 3×IQR

E. Lower quartile cutoffs

Answer: Median + 3×IQR

Explanation: Highly skewed data with frequent zeros led the authors to apply a nonparametric method using median + 3×IQR.

In Nash 2024 et al., on esophageal pH monitoring, which technique was used to place the pH probe?

A. Percutaneous placement through the neck

B. Transoral placement under general anesthesia

C. Transnasal placement under sedation

D. Transnasal placement under light anesthesia

E. Conscious transnasal placement

Answer: Transnasal placement under light anesthesia

Explanation: This method was chosen for safety and tolerability, reducing morbidity compared to percutaneous or conscious placement.

In Nash 2024 et al., on esophageal pH monitoring, what percentage of dogs experienced proximal GER events during the recording period?

A. 20%

B. 31%

C. 39%

D. 50%

E. 65%

Answer: 39%

Explanation: Only 12 of 31 dogs with dual sensors had proximal GER, corresponding to 39%.

In Nash 2024 et al., on esophageal pH monitoring, what was the defined upper reference limit for distal GER events per hour in healthy nonbrachycephalic dogs?

A. 1.0

B. 1.5

C. 2.0

D. 2.4

E. 3.0

Answer: 2.4

Explanation: The study defined the upper reference limit for distal GER events per hour as 2.4 based on nonparametric analysis.

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