Evaluation of metoclopramide and ranitidine on the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux episodes in anesthetized dogs

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of metoclopramide and ranitidine in the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux episodes during anesthetic procedures. Ninety healthy female dogs were submitted to elective ovariosalpingohisterectomy, randomly divided into three groups of 30 animals. The control group received only the anesthetic protocol. The metoclopramide group received an intravenous bolus of 1mg/kg, and continuous infusion (1 mg/kg/h intravenously) immediately after anesthetic induction. The ranitidine group received an intravenous bolus of 2 mg/kg, 6 h before anesthesia. Anesthesia (acepromazine, propofol and isofluorane) was standardized and the esophageal pH variations were recorded. Esophagoscopy was carried out after surgery. No difference (p<0.05) was verified in the reflux episodes between the groups. Seven animals presented reflux. Metoclopramide in bolus and continuous infusion, as well as ranitidine, 6 h before anesthesia, did not influence the reduction of the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux.