Table 4.

Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) test protocol for dogs

1.	Overnight food restriction to maximize food motivation/participation
2.	Prepare test items with oral contrast agent immediately before use. Split each serving of each test item into 2 bowls for testing oral/oropharyngeal versus esophageal stages of swallowing
3.	Adjust bowl ring to shoulder height, then position bowl ring in lower left corner of fluoroscopy field of view (FOV)
4.	Adjust frame rate to record at 30 fps. Record calibration marker (cross) on bowl for 5 seconds
5.	Place first test item in bowl ring. Place radiopaque food label on bowl ring
6.	Allow animal to freely enter kennel to consume test item from bowl
7.	Record swallows with pharynx and larynx centered in FOV until animal finishes eating/drinking
8.	Place second half of first test item in bowl ring. Center FOV over upper esophagus (should still see pharyngeal swallows) until bolus moves, then follow bolus to the stomach
9.	Repeat step 8 at least once until animal is finished eating/drinking
10.	Proceed to next test consistency and place radiopaque label corresponding to food consistency on bowl ring
11.	Allow animal to freely exit kennel
12.	Clean kennel surfaces, floor mat, and bowl ring with Simple Green11. a

Protocol for conducting freely behaving canine VFSS.

^aNontoxic cleaner appropriate for polycarbonate.