Incidence and characterization of aerophagia in dogs using videofluoroscopic swallow studies

Megan Grobman, Carol Reinero, Tekla Lee-Fowler, Teresa E. Lever

Background

Aerophagia, the ingestion of air, is recognized as a functional aerodigestive disorder in humans but is poorly characterized in dogs. Criteria for diagnosing aerophagia in dogs are defined, but its incidence, clinical signs, and any associated disorders remained largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the incidence of aerophagia in dogs, compare clinical signs between affected and unaffected dogs, and identify any associated or predisposing disorders.

Methods

The study was a retrospective review of sequential VFSS and medical records from 120 dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospitals at Auburn University and the University of Missouri. Aerophagia was diagnosed based on specific criteria, including the volume of air ingested and resulting gastric distention observed via VFSS. Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests, with significance set at P < .05.

Results

The study found that the incidence of aerophagia was 40% among the dogs examined. Dogs with mixed clinical signs (both gastrointestinal and respiratory) were more likely to have aerophagia than those with exclusively respiratory symptoms. Aerophagia was significantly more common in brachycephalic breeds and dogs with nonbrachycephalic upper airway obstruction, pathologic penetration-aspiration scores, and gagging. Independent predictors of aerophagia included mixed clinical signs, brachycephaly, and upper airway obstruction. No significant associations were found between aerophagia and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Limitations

The study's retrospective nature and the lack of a control group of healthy dogs were noted as limitations. Additionally, because the study focused on dogs presented for VFSS, it may not represent the general dog population.

Conclusions

Aerophagia is common in dogs undergoing VFSS, particularly in those with mixed clinical signs, brachycephalic breeds, and dogs with upper airway obstruction. The condition is associated with an increased risk of aspiration, underscoring the importance of considering aerophagia in the differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with relevant clinical signs. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between aerophagia and GERD in dogs.

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