Postoperative regurgitation in dogs after upper airway surgery to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: 258 cases (2013-2017)

Objective To determine the incidence of and risk factors for regurgitation in dogs within 24 hours of surgical management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Study design Retrospective single center study of dogs undergoing BOAS surgery over four years (2013-2017). Animals Two hundred fifty-eight client-owned dogs referred for surgical intervention for BOAS. Methods Electronic medical records were searched for dogs that had undergone surgery for BOAS at a UK specialist referral hospital. Data were assessed by using univariable binomial logistic regression; confounding factors were then identified in a multivariable model. Results There was an increase in the proportion of dogs that regurgitated while hospitalized preoperatively vs during the first 24 hours postoperatively, from 28 (10.9%) to 89 (34.5%), respectively (P < .0001). History of regurgitation (P = .017, odds ratio [OR] 2.539, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.178-5.469) and age (P = .008, OR 0.712, 95% CI 0.553-0.916) were detected as risk factors for postoperative regurgitation. For every 1-year increase in age, the odds of experiencing postoperative regurgitation were reduced by 28.8%. Conclusion Corrective surgery for BOAS was associated with a marked incidence of postoperative regurgitation. Younger dogs and those with a history of regurgitation were predisposed to postoperative regurgitation. Clinical significance The increased frequency of regurgitation after surgical treatment of BOAS, especially in younger dogs, provides justification for counseling owners regarding this postoperative complication.