2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In dogs that were accustomed to the Bailey chair, performance of contrast video fluoroscopy was technically straightforward. Significant individual variation was seen between dogs for transit time of all three ingesta types. Ingesta consistency affected transit time, but the consistency that allowed the most rapid transit time varied by individual. Mean transit time for liquid was 15.4 mins with 58% (7/12) of dogs having no clearance of liquid by 20 mins. Mean transit time for meatballs was 24.6 mins with 67% (8/12) having incomplete clearance of meatballs at 30 minutes. Mean transit time for the slurry consistency was 26.3 mins with 75% (6/ 8) of tested dogs having incomplete clearance of food at 30 mins. Three dogs were identified as having gastroesophageal reflux and one dog was found to have a concurrent swallowing disorder. Based on individual imaging results, recommendations were made to alter management strategies for 8/12 dogs; change food consistency in 50%, change time kept upright in 25% of dogs, and alter pharmacologic therapy in 17%.