A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SURVIVAL RATES IN DOGS WITH GASTRIC DILATATION-VOLVULUS FOLLOWING SURGICAL TREATMENT (2010-2019)

Twenty-three dog case records were included in an analysis of dogs treated by a standardized surgical protocol for gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome between 2010 and 2019. In all cases the gastric dilatation-volvulus were confirmed at surgery, of which 11 had 180 degrees torsion and 12 had torsion between 270 and 360 degrees. Among dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus, the fatality rate was 21.7% (5/23). Two (8%) dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that underwent partial gastrectomy, splenectomy, and, gastropexy but just as the other three with gastric necrosis and gastrectomy without splenectomy (13%), died or were subsequently euthanatized. In comparing the group of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that survived to those who died, there were no statistical differences regarding the: age, body weight, duration of surgery or of anesthesia, degree of volvulus, and type of gastropexy. A predisposition was demonstrated for German Shepherd Dogs and large mixed-breed dogs. The time lapsed from the onset of clinical signs until presentation at the clinic and treatment initialization represents a significant factor associated with a lower survival rate. Cardiac arrhythmias were detected in 48 % (11/23) of the dogs with GDV. There was also no statistical correlation between development of cardiac arrhythmias and outcome in dogs with gastric dilatationvolvulus. The causes of death in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus were multiple, but gastric necrosis was a common reason for death or euthanasia (5 dogs).