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Quantitative videofluoroscopic evaluation of pharyngeal function in the dog
R E Pollard1, S L Marks, A Davidson
1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Summary
This study establishes normal swallowing timing in dogs using videofluoroscopy. Dogs with cricopharyngeal achalasia showed delayed cranial esophageal sphincter function, impacting canine swallowing dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Swallowing Physiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Videofluoroscopy is crucial for assessing swallowing function.
- Establishing normal pharyngeal phase timing is essential for diagnosing dysphagia.
- Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a condition affecting esophageal function in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal timing sequence of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing in healthy dogs.
- To compare swallowing dynamics in healthy dogs versus dogs with cricopharyngeal achalasia.
- To identify videofluoroscopic markers for canine cricopharyngeal achalasia.
Main Methods:
- Videofluoroscopic evaluation of liquid barium and barium-soaked kibble in 11 healthy adult dogs.
- Digitization and frame-by-frame analysis to record swallowing event timings.
- Retrospective analysis of 3 dogs diagnosed with cricopharyngeal achalasia.
Main Results:
- Consistent intra- and inter-patient timing of the pharyngeal swallowing phase was observed in healthy dogs.
- Dogs with cricopharyngeal achalasia exhibited a statistically significant delay in cranial esophageal sphincter opening and closure.
- Both liquid barium and barium-soaked kibble revealed these delays.
Conclusions:
- This study provides normative data for canine pharyngeal swallowing.
- Videofluoroscopy can identify delayed cranial esophageal sphincter function indicative of cricopharyngeal achalasia.
- Delayed sphincter function is a key videofluoroscopic finding in canine cricopharyngeal achalasia.