Canine Flash Notes - GDV

Question 1

what are 3 ways to prevent GDV in dogs?

Answer 1

1. small, low fat meals, minimizing exercise after meals & minimize water after exercise
2. don’t breed dogs with a history of GDV or a relative with a history of GDV
3. prophylactic gastropexy in appropriate breeds

Question 2

higher mortality rates associated with GDV include what 4 prognostic factors?

Answer 2

1. high lactate
2. delay of 5 hours or more to admission
3. hypothermia at admission
4. hypotension at any time

Question 3

T/F: in patients with GDV, mortality for surgery patients is 15% & increase up to 30% in patients with gastric necrosis

Answer 3

true

Question 4

do arrhythmias affect mortality in patients with GDV?

Answer 4

NO

Question 5

what is the most important thing to do first upon admission when managing a patient with suspected GDV?

Answer 5

immediate shock therapy!!!! large bore IV catheters placed for fluids either before or during diagnostics

Question 6

what is the classic case presentation of a dog with GDV?

Answer 6

big dog/deep chested presenting with vomiting/retching, salivation, abdominal distension, tympany, pain, eventually weakness, collapse, & shock

Question 7

what is the treatment of choice for GDV?

Answer 7

immediate fluid/shock therapy done before or during diagnostics

careful passage of an orogastric tube - decompress the stomach

trocharize the stomach if indicated

emergency surgery - derotate the stomach, gastropexy, & +/- splenectomy

medical therapy - must address hydration status, blood pressure, electrolytes, & acidosis

critical post-op care

Question 8

what cardiac related problem is commonly seen in post-op GDV patients? how is it managed?

Answer 8

cardiac arrhythmias - most often ventricular in origin

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