Clostridium ventriculi in a cynomolgus monkey with acute gastric dilatation and rupture: A case report.

Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening diseases in nonhuman primates worldwide. However, the etiology of this syndrome has not been determined. Recently, sudden death occurred in a 7-year-old female cynomolgus monkey with a history of fecal microbiota transplantation using diarrheic stools. The monkey had undergone surgery previously. On necropsy, gastric dilatation and rupture demonstrated a tetrad arrangement on histopathologic examination. On 16S rRNA sequencing, a high population of Clostridium ventriculi was identified in the duodenum adjacent to stomach but not in the colon. This paper is the first report of Clostridium ventriculi infection in a cynomolgus macaque with acute gastric dilatation and rupture.

Use of real-time near-infrared fluorescence to assess gastric viability in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for assessment of gastric viability and describe NIRF's influence on the surgeon's operative strategy in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with GDV and 20 systemically healthy dogs. METHODS: Following gastric derotation, the surgeon's subjective assessment of gastric viability was recorded prior to near-infrared imaging. Changes in the surgeon's initial assessment of viability based on the visual pattern of gastric fluorescence was recorded. If nonviable (lack of defined vessels), a partial gastrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology. The stapled gastrectomy line was imaged. Viable (defined vessels) and nonviable fluorescence intensities were compared with healthy dogs undergoing surgery for nongastrointestinal disease. RESULTS: Subjective assessment diagnosed 17 viable and three nonviable GDVs (2 fundi; 1 cardia). Near-infrared imaging demonstrated nonviable gastric fluorescence in 4 dogs (3 fundi/cardia; 1 fundus). The surgeon's margins for resection were altered in 3/20 dogs. Fluorescence intensity (cardia, fundus, body, pylorus) was lower in GDV viable (30.59%, p = .04; 38.17%, p < .01; 51.18%, p < .01; 44.12%, p= .01) and nonviable (11.00%, p < .01; 4.33%, p < .01; 57.67%, p = .22; 54.33%, p = .72) dogs compared to healthy controls (44.7%, 70.05%, 84.00%, 63.95%). Fundic fluorescence was less in nonviable gastric tissue in comparison with viable gastric tissue (p = .03). Fluorescence of the gastrectomy staple line approximated that of viable tissue. CONCLUSION: Near-infrared fluorescence can identify histologically confirmed nonviable gastric tissue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide enough evidence to support the implementation of NIRF as an adjunct to gross examination of the gastric wall in dogs with GDV.

Left medial liver lobe torsion and postoperative acute gastric rupture in a 2.5-year-old male-castrated Flemish Giant rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A 2.5-year-old male-castrated rabbit presented with acute abdominal pain, lethargy, and anorexia. Digital radiography revealed increased left-sided hepatomegaly, gastric dilation, and decreased peritoneal serosal detail. Abdominal ultrasonography identified a torsed left liver lobe, gastric dilation, and peritoneal effusion. Surgery confirmed a left medial liver lobe torsion, with subsequent lobectomy and seven days of hospitalization. The patient re-presented 2 days after discharge and suddenly died while hospitalized, with acute gastric rupture, fulminant peritonitis, and multifocal hepatic infarcts diagnosed on necropsy. We believe this is the first recorded imaging diagnosis of a left medial liver lobe torsion in a rabbit.

Perioperative characteristics and long-term outcomes following prophylactic total laparoscopic gastropexy using a novel knotless tissue control device in 44 dogs.

Objective: To report on operative technique and outcomes following prophylactic total laparoscopic gastropexy (PTLG) using a novel knotless tissue control device (KTCD) in dogs. Animals: This study included 44 dogs. Procedure: Medical records were reviewed, and perioperative data were collected. Right-sided incisional gastropexy was performed using 2 strands of KTCD introduced through a 12-millimeter cannula in a single-incision multi-channeled port. Dog owners were contacted to obtain outcome data. Results: Median age and weight of dogs were 17 mo (6 to 60 mo) and 48.5 kg (14 to 73.3 kg). Median surgical and anesthesia times were 90 min (60 to 150 min) and 195 min (135 to 270 min). Major intraoperative complications were not reported. Follow-up data were available for 40/44 (91%) dogs. Median follow-up time was 522 d (43 to 983 d). Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) was not reported in any dog. One dog developed suspected colonic entrapment around the gastropexy that required surgical revision. All owners were satisfied with the procedure and indicated they would repeat the procedure with future pets. Conclusion: The PTLG procedure using novel KTCD in this cohort of dogs was effective at preventing GDV for the duration of follow-up and was associated with low perioperative complication rate and high owner satisfaction. Clinical relevance: This retrospective study reports on operative technique and outcomes associated with KTCD use in PTLG. Our findings warrant prospective evaluation of KTCD use in PTLG.

Caractéristiques peropératoires et résultats à long terme après une gastropexie laparoscopique totale prophylactique à l'aide d'un nouveau dispositif de contrôle des tissus sans nœuds chez 44 chiens. Objectif: Rendre compte de la technique opératoire et des résultats après une gastropexie laparoscopique totale prophylactique (PTLG) à l'aide d'un nouveau dispositif de contrôle des tissus sans nœuds (KTCD) chez le chien. Animaux: Cette étude a inclus 44 chiens. Procédure: Les dossiers médicaux ont été examinés et les données peropératoires ont été recueillies. La gastropexie incisionnelle du côté droit a été réalisée à l'aide de 2 brins de KTCD introduits par une canule de 12 millimètres dans un orifice multicanal à incision unique. Les propriétaires de chiens ont été contactés pour obtenir des données sur les résultats. Résultats: L'âge et le poids médians des chiens étaient de 17 mois (6 à 60 mois) et 48,5 kg (14 à 73,3 kg). Les temps chirurgicaux et anesthésiques médians étaient de 90 min (60 à 150 min) et 195 min (135 à 270 min). Des complications peropératoires majeures n'ont pas été rapportées. Des données de suivi étaient disponibles pour 40/44 (91 %) chiens. La durée médiane de suivi était de 522 jours (43 à 983 jours). Le volvulus de dilatation gastrique (GDV) n'a été signalé chez aucun chien. Un chien a développé une suspicion de piégeage du côlon autour de la gastropexie qui a nécessité une reprise chirurgicale. Tous les propriétaires étaient satisfaits de la procédure et ont indiqué qu'ils répéteraient la procédure avec de futurs animaux de compagnie. Conclusion: La procédure PTLG utilisant le nouveau KTCD dans cette cohorte de chiens a été efficace pour prévenir le GDV pendant la durée du suivi et a été associée à un faible taux de complications peropératoires et à une satisfaction élevée des propriétaires. Pertinence clinique: Cette étude rétrospective rend compte de la technique opératoire et des résultats associés à l'utilisation de KTCD dans le PTLG. Nos résultats justifient une évaluation prospective de l'utilisation de KTCD dans le PTLG.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

FATAL GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS IN THREE CAPTIVE JUVENILE LINNAEUS'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (CHOLOEPUS DIDACTYLUS).

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) is one of two extant neotropical species of the family Megalonychidae. Despite their being commonly kept under managed care, the digestive physiology of sloths remains poorly understood. Gastrointestinal disease has been reported as a primary or contributing cause of morbidity and mortality in captive two-toed and three-toed (Bradypus spp.) sloths. Gastric dilatation due to gas accumulation ("bloat") has been reported in sloths; however, a literature search failed to yield any published mention of gastric volvulus in any sloth species. Following an inquiry sent to the electronic mailing lists of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, and the LatinVets community, three cases of fatal gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) were identified in one male and two female Linnaeus's two-toed sloths from institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany. All cases occurred in juvenile sloths <1 yr of age. Two animals were primarily hand reared, whereas one was reared primarily by its dam. Two animals were found dead with no overt premonitory signs, whereas one animal died following a 3-wk course of waxing and waning clinical signs consistent with gastric gas accumulation. In all cases, GDV was diagnosed on postmortem examination. Similar to other species, the condition is likely subsequent to a combination of host- and husbandry-related contributing factors. Further research into sloth husbandry is required in order to take an evidence-based approach to their management.

Outcomes of dogs undergoing surgery for gastric dilatation volvulus after rapid versus prolonged medical stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of dogs surgically treated for gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) after rapid versus prolonged medical stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study, monoinstitutional. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred and sixty-two dogs with GDV. METHODS: Dogs presenting with a GDV were allocated to 1 of 2 groups, immediate or delayed. In the immediate group, dogs were stabilized for 90 min prior to undergoing surgery. In the delayed group, dogs underwent surgery after at least 5 h of stabilization. Medical stabilization included gastric decompression and placement of an indwelling nasogastric tube to prevent further gastric dilatation in all dogs. Short-term outcomes were compared between surgical timings by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Dogs (n = 89) in the immediate group underwent surgery a median time of 2.1 h after presentation (range 1.9-2.5 h), whereas those in the delayed surgery group (n = 73) were operated a median time of 9.8 h (range 5.4-13.7 h) after presentation. Survival rates did not differ between dogs undergoing immediate or delayed surgery at discharge (70/89 and 60/73, respectively) or at 1 month postoperatively (68/89 and 55/73, respectively). The degree of gastric torsion was differently distributed between the 2 groups (P = .05). In the immediate group, 19, 52, and 9 dogs had a 0°, 180° and 270° gastric torsion respectively, whereas in the delayed group, 27, 32, and 5 dogs had a 0°, 180° and 270° gastric torsion respectively. Hyperlactatemia 24 h after initiation of fluid therapy was associated with an increased in-hospital mortality risk and at 1 month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: No survival benefit was detected as a result of proceeding to surgery after either a rapid or a prolonged medical stabilization. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The aggressive stabilization and monitoring protocol described here can be considered as an alternative to stabilize dogs with GDV prior to surgery within 13.7 h of presentation. Further research is required to investigate the potential risks and benefits of prolonged over rapid stabilization and to identify candidates for each approach.

Counterclockwise gastric dilatation and volvulus in a dog.

A 6-year-old neutered male golden retriever mix dog was presented for investigation of acute restlessness, increased respiratory effort, non-productive retching, and anorexia. Initial abdominal radiography revealed marked gastric dilation with a normal gastric shape and position, along with mineralized granular material in the pyloric region, consistent with a pyloric outflow obstruction secondary to suspected sand impaction. The dog was stabilized with gastric trocharization and medical management with intravenous fluids, antiemetics, polyethylene glycol via a nasogastric tube, and analgesia was initiated. The dog developed aspiration pneumonia during hospitalization and became oxygen-dependent. There was no significant improvement of clinical status despite 72 h of medical management, and surgical intervention was subsequently recommended. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a counterclockwise gastric dilatation and volvulus. The stomach was repositioned into normal anatomic position and an incisional gastropexy was performed. The dog was maintained in the intensive care unit for 4 d postoperatively. Currently, 3 mo postoperatively, the dog is healthy without recurrence of clinical signs. Key clinical message: Counterclockwise gastric dilatation and volvulus is a rare condition in veterinary medicine; however, it should be considered in a patient with acute gastric distension and signs of pyloric outflow obstruction when characteristic radiological signs of clockwise gastric dilatation and volvulus are absent, and there is radiological evidence of persistent gastric foreign material despite medical management. Misdiagnosis of counterclockwise gastric dilatation and volvulus can delay definitive surgical intervention and lead to higher morbidity and mortality.

Dilatation gastrique dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre et volvulus chez un chien. Un chien golden retriever mâle castré âgé de 6 ans a été présenté pour évaluation à la suite d'agitation aiguë, d'un effort respiratoire accru, des haut-le-coeur non productifs et d'anorexie. La radiographie abdominale initiale a révélé une dilatation gastrique marquée avec une forme et une position gastrique normales, ainsi qu'un matériau granulaire minéralisé dans la région pylorique, compatible avec une suspicion d'obstruction de l'écoulement pylorique secondaire à une impaction par du sable. Le chien a été stabilisé avec une trocarisation gastrique et une prise en charge médicale avec des fluides intraveineux, des antiémétiques, du polyéthylène glycol via une sonde nasogastrique, et une analgésie a été initiée. Le chien a développé une pneumonie par aspiration pendant l'hospitalisation et est devenu dépendant de l'oxygène. Il n'y a pas eu d'amélioration significative de l'état clinique malgré 72 h de prise en charge médicale et une intervention chirurgicale a été recommandée. La laparotomie exploratrice a révélé une dilatation gastrique dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre et un volvulus. L'estomac a été repositionné en position anatomique normale et une gastropexie incisionnelle a été réalisée. Le chien a été maintenu en unité de soins intensifs pendant 4 jours après l'opération. Actuellement, 3 mois après l'opération, le chien est en bonne santé sans récidive des signes cliniques.Message clinique clé :La dilatation dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre et le volvulus gastriques sont une affection rare en médecine vétérinaire; cependant, cela doit être envisagé chez un patient présentant une distension gastrique aiguë et des signes d'obstruction de l'écoulement pylorique en l'absence de signes radiologiques caractéristiques de dilatation gastrique dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et de volvulus, et en cas de preuve radiologique de corps étranger gastrique persistant malgré la prise en charge médicale. Un diagnostic erroné de dilatation gastrique dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre et de volvulus peut retarder l'intervention chirurgicale définitive et entraîner une morbidité et une mortalité plus élevées.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Pet health insurance reduces the likelihood of pre-surgical euthanasia of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus in the emergency room of an Australian referral hospital.

AIMS: To determine the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). METHODS: Insurance status at the time of GDV diagnosis was sought for a cohort of 147 non-referred, confirmed cases of GDV that presented to the emergency department of a university-based veterinary hospital in Australia between 2008 and 2017. Insurance status was obtained from the medical record (n=18) or after contacting the owners by phone using a standardised questionnaire (n=129). Animal, clinical and outcome data was retrospectively compiled in a research database. The primary outcome measure was whether or not the dog was euthanised before surgery. The Mantel-Haenszel procedure was used to quantify the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with GDV, adjusting for the confounding effect of age at the time of presentation using Bayesian methods. RESULTS: Of the 69 dogs for which insurance information could be obtained, 10 (14%) cases were insured at the time of the GDV event and 59 (86%) cases were not. The majority of non-insured dogs (37/59; 63 (95% CI=50-74)%) were euthanised before surgery, while none (0 (95% CI=0-28)%) of the insured dogs were euthanised at that time (p<0.001). Of the 32 insured and non-insured dogs that underwent surgery, four dogs (13 (95% CI=5-28)%) did not survive to hospital discharge. Three dogs (9%) were euthanised during or after surgery and one dog (3%) experienced cardiopulmonary arrest during treatment. The majority of dogs for which insurance status was known did not survive to hospital discharge (41/69; 59%), and 90 (95% CI=7-96)% of deaths were caused by euthanasia prior to surgery. Uninsured dogs were 5.0 (95% credible interval=1.8-26) times more likely to undergo presurgical euthanasia compared with insured dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Euthanasia prior to treatment was most common cause of death in non-referred dogs with GDV; such euthanasia was entirely absent in the cohort of dogs that were insured. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Financial considerations significantly contribute to mortality of dogs with GDV presented to an emergency room. Financial instruments to reduce the out-of-pocket expense for pet owners confronted with unexpected veterinary expenses have potential to reduce pet mortality.

Gastric Dilatation Organoaxial Volvulus in a Dog.

A 9 yr old castrated male mixed-breed dog was presented for acute vomiting. Abdominal radiographs appeared to show a normal positioned stomach with marked gas dilation, which persisted despite frequent suctioning with a nasogastric tube. An abdominal ultrasound showed splenomegaly, malpositioning of the spleen, and the pyloroduodenal junction. A ventral midline celiotomy revealed an organoaxial gastric volvulus, rotating on the gastroesophageal, and pyloroduodenal junctions. The omentum was not overlying the stomach, typically seen in mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus. The body of the stomach was derotated with no evidence of gastric necrosis noted. The spleen was in the right cranial abdomen and returned to its normal anatomic position after derotation of the stomach. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged the next day. To the authors' knowledge, organoaxial gastric volvulus has not been reported in dogs. This is rare in humans but occurs most commonly in children <5 yr of age associated with hernias. The recommended treatment is surgical in majority of cases. As a result of the unusual orientation of the stomach, the diagnosis of gastric dilatation-volvulus was challenging. Organoaxial gastric volvulus demonstrates the need for further imaging and evaluation in cases of persistent gas dilation.

Simplified Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Prophylactic Laparoscopic Gastropexy in 21 Cases.

The objective of this study was to describe the operative technique and outcome of a simplified laparoscopic gastropexy approach in dogs. Twenty-one dogs undergoing prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy with a simple continuous barbed suture without incising the seromuscular layer of the stomach and transversus abdominis muscle were reviewed. In 20 cases, additional procedures were performed (18 ovariectomies and 2 prescrotal castrations); 1 dog had two prior episodes of gastric dilation without volvulus and underwent gastropexy with a prophylactic intent. The gastropexy procedure had a median duration of 33 min (range 19-43 min). V-Loc 180 absorbable and the V-Loc PBT nonabsorbable suturing devices were used in 8 and 13 dogs, respectively. Minor intraoperative complications occurred in four cases: broken suture (1), needle dislodgement (2), and folded needle (1). Minor complications included self-limiting wound complications (3), abdominal discomfort (2), vomiting (1), and inappetence (2). Postoperative abdominal ultrasound performed after a median of 8 mo (6-36 mo) confirmed permanent adhesion at the gastropexy site in all dogs. One dog developed a fistula (1 yr postoperatively) and another a granuloma (3 mo postoperatively), both at the gastropexy site. Prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy may be performed with knotless unidirectional barbed suture without creating an incision on the abdominal wall and stomach.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a 5-month-old Bernese mountain dog.

A 5-month-old Bernese mountain dog was presented for unproductive vomitus and abdominal distension. A gastric dilatation and volvulus was diagnosed. The dog underwent gastric derotation and incisional gastropexy. No intra- or post-operative complications occurred. Eight months following surgery, the dog was in excellent physical condition with no recurrence of clinical episodes of gastric dilatation. To the authors' knowledge, gastric dilatation and volvulus has not been previously reported in a puppy. This report underlines the importance of considering a prophylactic gastropexy in juvenile dogs with a known breed predisposition for gastric dilatation and volvulus.

Syndrome de dilatation torsion de l'estomac chez un Bouviers Bernois de 5 mois. Un Bouviers Bernois de 5 mois a été présenté pour des efforts de vomissements improductifs associés à une dilatation abdominale. Un syndrome de dilatation torsion de l'estomac a été diagnostiqué. Une dérotation gastrique et une gastropexie incisionnelle ont été réalisées. Aucune complication per- ou postopératoire n'est survenue. Huit mois après l'intervention chirurgicale, le chien présente un excellent état général sans récidive d'épisodes cliniques de dilatation gastrique. Il s'agit de la première description d'un syndrome de dilatation torsion de l'estomac chez un chiot. Ce cas souligne l'importance de considérer une gastropexie prophylactique précoce chez les chiens jeunes avec une prédisposition connue pour une dilatation torsion de l'estomac.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Transient distal renal tubular acidosis in a dog with gastric-dilatation-volvulus.

A case of distal renal tubular acidosis occurring as a transient complication in a 13-year-old female greyhound dog with gastric-dilatation-volvulus was diagnosed. The acute renal ischemia and inflammatory condition associated with this syndrome could be considered the main underlying mechanisms responsible for the acute, severe, and complicating renal tubular dysfunction.

Acidose tubulaire rénale distale transitoire chez un chien atteint de volvulus et de dilatation gastrique. Un cas d'acidose rénale distale se manifestant comme une complication transitoire chez une chienne Lévrier anglais âgée de 13 ans atteinte de dilatation gastrique-volvulus a été diagnostiqué. L'ischémie rénale aiguë et l'affection inflammatoire associées à ce syndrome pourrait être considérées comme les principaux mécanismes sous-jacents responsables de la dysfonction tubulaire rénale grave et complexe.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Incidence of gastric dilatation-volvulus following a splenectomy in 238 dogs.

There is contradicting information in the veterinary literature regarding canine splenectomy and the increased risk for subsequent gastric dilatation-volvulus. The main purpose of this study was to determine the rate of occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus following splenectomy in medium to large breed dogs compared with a control group undergoing other abdominal procedures. Follow-up was performed by reviewing the medical records and conducting phone interviews. Weight, gender, and presence of a hemoabdomen at the time of surgery were not significantly associated with occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus, while increasing age was. Ten of 238 (4%) dogs in the splenectomy group and 3/209 (1.4%) dogs in the control group subsequently developed gastric dilatation-volvulus, which was not significantly different (P = 0.08). While the findings approach significance and support a need for future investigation, the current recommendation for gastropexy at time of splenic removal should be made on a case by case basis and while considering previously documented risk factors.

Incidence de la dilatation gastrique-volvulus après une splénectomie chez 238 chiens. Il existe des renseignements contradictoires dans la littérature vétérinaire concernant la splénectomie canine et le risque accru pour la dilatation gastrique-volvulus subséquente. Le but principal de cette étude consistait à déterminer le taux d'occurrence de la dilatation gastrique-volvulus après la splénectomie chez des chiens de race moyenne ou grande comparativement à un groupe témoin subissant d'autres interventions abdominales. Le suivi a été réalisé en examinant les dossiers médicaux et en réalisant des entrevues par téléphone. Le poids, le sexe et la présence d'un hémoabdomen au moment de la chirurgie n'étaient pas significativement associés à l'occurrence de la dilatation gastrique-volvulus, tandis que l'âge avancé l'était. Dix des 238 (4 %) chiens dans le groupe de splénectomie et 3/209 (1,4 %) des chiens dans le groupe témoin ont subséquemment développé la dilatation gastrique-volvulus, ce qui n'était pas significativement différent (P = 0,08). Bien que les résultats soient près du seuil significatif et supportent le besoin d'études supplémentaires, la recommandation actuelle pour la gastropexie au moment de l'enlèvement splénique devrait être faite au cas par cas et en tenant compte des facteurs de risque documentés antérieurement.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS IN ADULT MANED WOLVES (CHRYSOCYON BRACHYURUS).

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) was identified in six adult maned wolves ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) housed at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, and the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri. Four individuals were found dead in their enclosures, and GDV was diagnosed postmortem based on radiographic and necropsy findings. Two individuals were diagnosed with GDV antemortem, with one wolf surviving following surgical intervention and supportive management. A concurrent splenic torsion was identified in three of six cases. Although GDV has been well documented in domestic dogs and is known to occur in maned wolves, objective, detailed case descriptions have been limited in this species. This report represents the first description of a surviving case of GDV in the maned wolf. Thorough species-specific documentation of any acutely fatal condition, such as GDV, is imperative for proper case recognition and medical management, with profound implications for species recovery efforts.

Long-Term Outcome and Complications Following Prophylactic Laparoscopic-Assisted Gastropexy in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the short- and long-term outcome (>12 months), complications, and owner satisfaction following prophylactic laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 49). METHODS: Dogs that underwent prophylactic LAG at 2 veterinary academic hospitals were studied. Surgical time, anesthesia time, concurrent intra- and extra-abdominal procedures, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded following review of medical records. Veterinarian and/or owner follow-up was obtained to determine outcome and satisfaction with LAG. RESULTS: Five of 49 dogs (10%) experienced complications related to abdominal access during LAG. Four percent (2/49) of dogs experienced an intraoperative complication. Follow-up information was available for 89% of dogs (44/49). Four dogs died of causes unrelated to LAG or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) in the follow-up period. Two dogs experienced major postoperative complications requiring additional veterinary intervention. Thirty percent (13 dogs) experienced a minor postoperative self-limiting wound-related complication. Median follow-up time was 698 days (range, 411-1825). No dogs experienced GDV. One hundred percent of dog owners were satisfied with LAG, would repeat the procedure in a future pet, and would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member. CONCLUSION: LAG was an effective procedure for prevention of GDV and was associated with high client satisfaction in this cohort of dogs. A moderate rate of postoperative wound complications occurred that were minor and self-limiting in nature.

FATAL GASTRIC DILATION IN TWO ADULT BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS (MUSTELA NIGRIPES).

Acute gastric dilation resulting in death was identified in two adult black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) housed at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Both individuals were adult males (3 and 5 yr) and previously clinically healthy prior to the event. The etiology of gastric dilation in both cases could not be definitively determined, and necropsy revealed severe cardiovascular compromise secondary to bloat. Limited literature is available regarding a syndrome of this type in adult black-footed ferrets. Differential diagnoses considered included gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), severe gastric distention of unknown origin, and gastric outflow obstruction. Given the severity of this syndrome and the findings in these two cases, acute gastric dilation should be considered in black-footed ferrets presenting with acute abdominal distention, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular compromise.

Gastric malpositioning and chronic, intermittent vomiting following prophylactic gastropexy in a 20-month-old great Dane dog.

A 20-month-old castrated male great Dane dog was presented for evaluation of chronic intermittent vomiting of 2 months' duration. A prophylactic incisional gastropexy performed at 6 mo of age resulted in gastric malpositioning and subsequent partial gastric outflow tract obstruction.

Malposition gastrique et vomissements intermittents chroniques après une gastropexie prophylactique chez un chien Grand danois âgé de 20 mois. Un chien Grand danois mâle castré âgé de 20 mois a été présenté pour une évaluation de vomissements chroniques durant depuis 2 mois. Une gastropexie incisionnelle prophylactique réalisée à l'âge de 6 mois a produit une malposition gastrique et une obstruction partielle de l'échappement du tractus gastrique.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a red panda (Ailurus fulgens).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in a red panda. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Red panda diagnosed with GDV. RESULTS: A 12-year-old male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was evaluated for acute onset inappetence, staggering, collapse, and tachypnea. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) was diagnosed by radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and exploratory celiotomy. Torsion of the stomach was corrected and an incisional gastropexy performed to prevent recurrence. No organs were devitalized, no other abnormalities detected, and the red panda recovered fully within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: GDV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for red pandas presenting with acute onset of unspecific signs such as collapse, inappetence, and abdominal distension. GDV in red pandas can be diagnosed and successfully treated as described in dogs.

Recurrent gastric dilatation and intestinal dysmotility possibly resulting from autonomic neuropathy in a Great Dane.

A 5 yr old female spayed Great Dane was presented for recurrent episodes of gastric dilatation, intestinal dysmotility, and one episode of gastric rupture. Numerous hematologic, radiographic, and endocrine diagnostic tests were performed with no identifiable underlying cause. Many risk factors have been identified for gastric dilatation and most were present in this Great Dane. A number of symptomatic treatments, aimed primarily at altering the gastrointestinal tract flora and motility were tried, but failed to influence the clinical course of the disease. The dog continued to worsen, experienced more frequent episodes of gastric dilatation, and developed generalized muscle atrophy. Biopsies were collected from the biceps femoris and triceps brachii muscles. A pattern of denervation atrophy was evident in both muscles, consistent with polyneuropathy. The owners elected humane euthanasia and a necropsy was performed. A striking finding at necropsy was severe loss of myelinated fibers with extensive endoneurial fibrosis in the vagus nerve, consistent with an autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a previously unexplored cause of gastric dilatation and intestinal dysmotility in dogs. These findings should open new directions for exploring pathogenic mechanisms for gastric dilatation in this species.

Occurrence and recurrence of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus after incisional gastropexy.

This study investigated recurrence of gastric dilatation without (GD) or with volvulus (GDV) after incisional gastropexy (IG) in dogs that underwent IG for prevention of GDV. Signalment, concurrent surgical procedures, presence of GD or GDV at the time of IG were obtained from medical records of dogs that underwent IG. Owners were contacted to determine whether the dogs experienced GD or GDV after IG, dates of postoperative GD or GDV episodes, survival status, date of death for deceased dogs. Gastric dilatation and GDV recurrence rates were calculated for 40 dogs that had at least 2 y follow-up from the time when IG was performed and for dogs that experienced GD or GDV during the follow-up period. No dogs experienced GDV after IG and 2 dogs (5.0%) experienced GD after IG. The results suggest that GD and GDV rates after IG may be comparable to recurrence rates after other methods of gastropexy.

Occurrence et récurrence de la dilatation gastrique avec ou sans volvulus après une gastropexie incisionnelle. Cette étude a examiné la récurrence de la dilatation gastrique sans volvulus (DG) ou avec volvulus (DGV) après une gastropexie incisionnelle (GI) chez les chiens qui avaient subi une GI pour la prévention de la DGV. Le signalement, les interventions chirurgicales concomitantes, la présence de la DG ou de la DGV au moment de la GI ont été obtenus dans les dossiers médicaux de chiens qui ont subi une GI. On a contacté les propriétaires pour déterminer si les chiens avaient eu une DG ou une DGV après la GI, les dates des épisodes postopératoires de DG ou de DGV, l'état de la survie et la date de la mort pour les chiens décédés. Les taux de récurrence de la dilatation gastrique et de la DGV ont été calculés pour 40 chiens qui ont eu un suivi d'au moins 2 ans à partir de la réalisation de la GI et pour les chiens qui avaient eu une DG ou une DGV durant la période de suivi. Aucun chien n'a eu une DGV après une GI et 2 chiens (5,0 %) ont connu une DG après la GI. Les résultats suggèrent que les taux de DG et de DGV peuvent être comparables aux taux de récurrence après d'autres méthodes de gastropexie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).