Continued Care
All pets, regardless of having surgery, need medical care
before, during and after diagnosis.
Management of esophageal dysfunction
Based on a positional esophagram study performed in 2013, the recommended feeding angle is unclear. Certainly some dogs will have better swallowing function when fed on an incline plane, or fed in sitting position, but other dogs it made no difference, or they were better fed and watered on the floor. We recommend the owner trying out different feeding positions to determine which is best for their dog. If it is at an incline planey, the dog should remain in this more upright position for 10 minutes post-prandially.
Drugs are often used to minimize acid reflux. Metoclopramide is not considered as effective as more recent drugs, but in some dogs it definitely decreases throat-clearing. Cisapride also appears to diminish throat-clearing in some dogs; and the most recent drug of choice is sildenafil. Although there are several reports of their efficacy in improving esophageal function and minimizing gastroesophageal reflux events, there are no reliable, blinded, controlled studies to show which drug is most effective at decreasing aspiration pneumonia.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation programs designed for dogs with GOLPP prioritize muscle strengthening, balance, and coordination, crucial elements in managing the condition effectively. By targeting these areas, rehabilitation can not only slow the progression of the disease but also enhance the overall well-being and longevity of affected dogs. It's imperative to advise families to seek guidance from a rehabilitation specialist, who can provide tailored exercises and therapies. Additionally, recommending our rehabilitation videos for at-home exercises can offer valuable support and assistance in the ongoing care of their furry companions.
Owner Education
Discovering that their dog has GOLPP can be overwhelming for any dog owner. Therefore, offering educational resources such as resource links and handouts becomes essential. We have developed comprehensive handouts covering various aspects including an overview of GOLPP, rehabilitation techniques, feeding recommendations, discharge checklists, and more. These resources aim to provide clarity and guidance during this challenging time. Be sure to explore them to gain valuable insights into managing GOLPP effectively.
Follow Up Care
It is vital for veterinarians to follow affected dogs out for the remainder of their life – currently recommended every 6 months until their passing (usually around 2-4 years).
It is already clear that most dogs will progress at a fairly steady rate, although many dogs will also die of conditions unrelated to GOLPP. There also appears to be a small cohort of dogs with a surprisingly slow rate of neurologic deterioration (4+ years) – this maybe another reason why this disease took so long to be recognized as a generalization neurodegeneration.
​
There exist huge benefits to the owner, dog and attending veterinarian in establishing a relationship with the owner when faced with this disease. This is a time where the owners need us (the veterinarian) to educate them and advise - what to expect, how to manage it, and helping them make the decision to euthanize.