Big dog lovers know that more dog means more love! However, it’s important to understand and recognize some of the common health issues that are more common in large dog breeds. For example, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition most often seen in large, deep-chested dogs. Thankfully, there’s a surgical procedure known as gastropexy, which helps prevent GDV.
At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we’re able to perform laparoscopic gastropexy as both a preventative measure and as part of the surgical management of GDV. What Is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)? Gastric dilatation and volvulus is often referred to as “bloat.” During GDV, the stomach dilates with gas and/or fluid and then twists on itself. This prevents the gas/fluid from escaping and leads to rising pressure levels within the stomach. Rising pressure decreases blood flow to the stomach tissues, which can lead to necrosis (death) of the stomach wall. In some cases, the spleen can also get twisted with the stomach. Dogs with the highest risk of GDV are large and giant breed dogs with deep or barrel-shaped chests. This includes Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds and St. Bernards to name a few. Standard Poodles and other “doodle” breeds are also at high risk. GDV is a serious and life-threatening condition. Without emergency treatment, it is always fatal. Benefits of Preventative Gastropexy Luckily, there’s a preventative procedure that can help prevent GDV in high-risk dogs. This procedure is called a gastropexy. During a gastropexy, your veterinarian “tacks” the stomach to the inside of the body wall. This holds the stomach in place, preventing the twisting that causes GDV. For dogs at high risk of GDV or dogs who have a history of GDV, gastropexy can be a life-saving intervention. For example, if your dog has experienced GDV in the past, gastropexy reduces the risk of recurrence from 55% to only 4%. Even better, in many cases this preventative procedure can be performed during your puppy’s spay or neuter, eliminating the need for a second anesthetized surgical procedure. What To Expect With Laparoscopic Gastropexy Before your pet’s procedure, we’ll perform a thorough physical exam and any recommended lab work to ensure your pet can safely tolerate anesthesia. During check-in, one of our Certified Veterinary Technicians will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and schedule a pick-up time with you. This team member will be your pet’s dedicated nurse before, during, and after the procedure. During laparoscopic, or minimally-invasive, gastropexy, your veterinarian will use cameras and tools passed through small incisions to guide the procedure. The scope and the instruments are used to grasp a small portion of the stomach and permanently suture it to the inside of the abdominal wall. Because of the smaller incision sites, patients often experience less postoperative inflammation and pain, heal faster, and can return to normal activity more quickly. If you opt to perform a preventative gastropexy at the same time as your pet’s spay or neuter, their recovery instructions are typically the same. Patients should be kept calm for 14 days post-op to allow for healing. Avoid running, jumping, swimming, and baths to keep incision sites clean and dry. A gastropexy performed on an emergency basis may require additional postoperative care. Your veterinarian and care team will discuss your dog’s specific needs with you! Get In Touch About Laparoscopic Gastropexy! It’s extremely important for large- and giant-breed dog owners to understand the risks of gastric dilatation and volvulus. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of gastropexy, give us a call at (971) 405-1111. Comments are closed.
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