Thesis
Efficacy of liquid sildenafil as a novel treatment for canine generalized megaesophagus: A randomized crossover study
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
08/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004132
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124899
Abstract
Megaesophagus (ME) is characterized by dysmotility and dilation of the esophagus, causing regurgitation and carrying a poor prognosis. If it can be delivered to the stomach of dogs with ME, sildenafil may cause short duration relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter thus improving clinical signs in dogs with ME via increased esophageal clearance. The objectives of this study were to determine if liquid sildenafil could be delivered to the stomachs of dogs with ME and have significant effects on esophageal clearance, frequency of regurgitation, body weight, and perceived quality of life compared to no treatment or a placebo. In this blinded, randomized, crossover study, 10 healthy, client-owned dogs, previously diagnosed with ME received either sildenafil (1 mg/kg per os [PO] q12h) or a placebo for 14 days, followed by a 7-day washout, then the opposite treatment for 14 days. Esophageal clearance time was assessed prior to treatment (baseline), and on day 1 of each treatment period using videofluoroscopy performed over 30 minutes with dogs in an upright position. Owners kept logs of regurgitation episodes for 2 weeks before, during the treatment periods, and during the washout periods. Clearance of liquid was variable in dogs; liquid was administered a total of 30 times. It cleared prior to slurry ingestion, moved into the stomach following slurry ingestion, or did not clear in five, sixteen, and nine times, respectively. There were no significant differences in regurgitation episodes between untreated, placebo, or washout periods; quality of life scores between no treatment, sildenafil, or placebo; body weight after placebo; or esophageal clearance between untreated, placebo or sildenafil treatment. Sildenafil did result in significant reductions in regurgitation episodes (p < 0.05) and increased body weight (p < 0.05) compared to no treatment and placebo. Results indicate there is potential for improved management of dogs with ME treated with long-term liquid sildenafil.
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Details
- Title
- Efficacy of liquid sildenafil as a novel treatment for canine generalized megaesophagus
- Creators
- Susan Olivia Mehain
- Contributors
- Jillian Marie Haines (Advisor) - Washington State University, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Department of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Veterinary Medicine, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900890781601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis