My Fr. Bulldog Licks his lips and reflux bile; does antacid work? 👄

Answer for bulldog lips licking, refluxing bile, and antacid rx 👄

Dear Jane & Oink 🐾

Your report contains a few unknowns, but I’m happy to offer some tips and clarifications that may be helpful.

BOAS, Hital Hernia, and Bulldog GERD

I’m glad to hear that your Frenchie’s BOAS and hiatal hernia were repaired, as these are among the most common causes of GERD in the breed.

However, since the problems continued, the procedures may have been incomplete or incorrectly performed, or there are follow-up complications, such as an unsuccessful hernia pexy.

Fr. Bulldog Nausea, Lips Licking and Bile Reflux

The bile reflux you described could be a byproduct of the liver disease you mentioned or related to other conditions that cause nausea and bile backup.

The lip-licking is often associated with nausea and gastric emptying issues.

BULLDOG BILE REFLUX Versa GERD

Unlike GERD (gastric esophageal reflux disease), bile reflux originates from the liver and is a backflow from the small intestine into the stomach.

For example:

➡️ Bile reflux is more likely linked to pyloric gastric sphincter dysfunction.

• pancreatitis,
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

➡️ GERD is more commonly linked to esophageal gastric sphincter dysfunction

• BOAS
• hiatal hernia

Reflux and Anacid Medication Concerns 💊

The prescription drugs you have been given may at times be more harmful than therapeutic.

Bulldogs with reflux (GERD) are often overprescribed on antacids, including:

💊 H2 blockers: like Cimetidine, Famotidine.
💊 PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors): such as Omeprazole, Pantoprazole.

Below are some of the related complications of those drugs:
#1⚠️ Reduced effectiveness over time

#2⚠️ Acid rebound if stopped suddenly (should be tapered before changing or stopping)

#3⚠️ Over-alkalizing stomach acid (abnormally high pH, over-reduction of stomach acidity). This typically leads to multiple problems such as:

• Vitamin & mineral deficiencies: low levels of B12, calcium, and magnesium.
• Disrupting the gut microbiome: High gastric PH can reduce the good probiotic bacteria, leading to bacterial overgrowth.
• Delayed gastric emptying: overall reduced stomach acidity can affect the sphincters; delay stomach emptying and lead to worsening nausea & bile reflux.

🩺 I would recommend gradually tapering these medications and considering alternative approaches.

Bulldog Lips Licking and Bile Reflux Dietary & Lifestyle Modifications

#1🩺Dietary Trial: Start with a low-fat, highly digestible gastrointestinal prescription diet.

If that doesn’t work, try a hydrolyzed hypoallergenic diet for 3–4 weeks.

#2🩺 Meal Frequency & Portions: Offer smaller, more frequent meals.

➡️ If the symptoms are in the morning, give a small meal before bedtime.

#3🩺Slow Feeding: Use a slow feeder to prevent gulping of air and improper chewing.

#4🩺 Elevated feeding: Raise the food bowl slightly to reduce regurgitation.

#5🩺 Natural Bully Theraeptuic Supplements:

• V4B Bully Multivitamins & Minerals Formula: supports overall health and deficiencies.

• V4B Bully Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes: Aid digestion & gut balance.

• V4B Bully Natural Fiber: Helps regulate digestion and stool quality.

👨‍⚕️If there’s no improvement after a few weeks of this holistic approach, I recommend consulting a board-certified internal medicine specialist for a full workup (labs, imaging, endoscopy, etc.).

🩺Final tip: you can try a short trial on antinausea medication like maropitan.

Keep me posted.
Best of luck, Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog

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