Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Flashcards
which dogs are at greatest risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus?
large breed, deep-chested dogs
what happens in gastric dilatation-volvulus?
stomach fills with air and rotates on its axis, cutting off blood supply and ability for air to leave stomach
stomach continues to enlarge, worsening obstruction
areas of stomach may die, spleen may be damaged as well
how can you recognize GDV?
restless, unproductive attempts to retch/vomit
reluctance to settle
nausea/drooling
distended abdomen
how can you confirm diagnosis of GDV?
enlarged spleen
right lateral radiograph
what is a gas bloat like?
gas filled stomach
no obstruction
distinguish from 360 degree volvulus
upper airway obstruction/swallowing
what should you do for food bloat?
supportive care
maybe fluids/pain medications
walk frequently
free choice water
what should you consider with gas bloat?
major warning sign for future GDV
does duration of torsion influence outcome?
maybe
what are the goals for GDV surgery?
reposition stomach
assess for necrotic areas of stomach
evaluate spleen
evaluate other organs
perform gastropexy to prevent reoccurrence
is there proven causation between eating habits and GDV?
no
what effect does nervousness/stress have with chances of GDV?
anxious dogs have higher risks
boarding/unfamiliar locations may be riskier
what is the most effective treatment for prevention of GDV for the individual dog?
preventative gastropexy
what percentage of dogs with gastric-dilatation-volvulus die despite treatment?
20-30%
does being a first-order relative to a dog with gastric-dilatation-volvulus increase the risk?
yes
how can you recognize GDV?
restless, unproductive attempts to retch/vomit
reluctance to settle
nausea/drooling
distended abdomen
from which legs should you volume resuscitate for GDV?
front legs
what conditions have similar signs to GDV?
food bloat
gas bloat
esophageal foreign body
ascites
how should you treat gas bloat?
decompress the stomach
what are the most common esophageal foreign bodies?
bones
which breeds usually have esophageal foreign bodies?
terriers
what can cause ascites/free fluid in abdomen?
congestive heart failure- dobermans
cancer/hemorrhage
what are the potential findings at surgery for a GDV?
gastric necrosis
splenic thrombosis
other: mass, foreign bodies
how long does recovery from GDV surgery typically take?
2 weeks
how can you use feeding to prevent GDV?
maybe large food size
no causation: frequency of meals, exercise after eating (?), feeding from height
is exercise good or bad for preventing GDV?
maybe good: promote GI motility
does preventative gastropexy prevent gas distension?
no
what is the most effective technique for prevention of GDV in the individual dog?
preventative gastropexy
is lactate useful for predicting GDV surgery success for individual dogs?
no: more useful to see if it falls after fluids than how high it is to start
higher: more commonly associated with gastric necrosis and subsequent death in groups of dogs
