R02 - Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Diagnosis of Aerodigestive Disorders in Dogs

Abstract: Background - Aerodigestive diseases are hybrid disorders representing a pathologic link between the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Dogs presenting solely for respiratory clinical signs without dysphagia, vomiting or regurgitation do not receive diagnostics targeting identification of alimentary tract disease. Videofluoroscopic study (VFSS) can identify many abnormalities.

Objectives/Hypothesis – Comparing dogs with respiratory but not alimentary clinical signs to healthy controls, we hypothesized the former would have more VFSS abnormalities and a higher penetration-aspiration score (PAS).

Animals - Client-owned dogs with respiratory signs (n=40) and healthy controls (n=15).

Methods – Prospectively, all dogs had VFSS. Advanced respiratory diagnostics were performed in respiratory dogs. VFSS metrics (n=8) were subjectively assessed and a PAS score (scale of 1-7) assigned. Fishers Exact test compared differences between groups (presence or absence of VFSS abnormalities); PAS score was compared via Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test (p < 0.05 significant).

Results – Dogs with respiratory disease had significantly more abnormalities on VFSS compared to controls (31/40 vs 6/15 dogs; p = 0.021). Penetration was noted in 7/40 and 2/15 affected and control dogs, respectively. Aspiration was noted only in dogs with respiratory disease (6/40). PAS score did not differ between groups (median (IQR) 1 (1-3) affected and 1 (1-2) control dogs, respectively; p=0.577).

Conclusions – Significantly more VFSS abnormalities were identified in affected (78%) versus control (40%) dogs underscoring the need to identify and address silent alimentary tract disease. The unexpected high prevalence of VFSS abnormalities in controls merits follow-up to determine if these dogs developed respiratory disease.