• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.540-544
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• 2008

Four dogs were presented with the history of progressive abdominal distension and regurgitation. Survey abdominal radiographs revealed gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) with a distended, gas-filled stomach and double bubbles. The mean time from onset of clinical signs to presentation to a clinic was 3.25 hours. In three dogs, orogastric tubes were inserted and their stomachs were decompressed. However, we failed to insert the tube in the remaining one dog. Among these four dogs, gastrotomy was performed in two dogs to remove the gastric contents and to decompress the stomach additionally during surgery. The dogs with GDV were treated with belt-loop gastropexy (n=3) or circumcostal gastropexy (n=1) to prevent recurrence. Necrosis of gastric or splenic tissues was not observed during surgical intervention. All four dogs recovered uneventfully, and no recurrence was found in long term follow-up during $1{\sim}3$ years.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.255-258
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• 2015

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is an acute and life-threatening disease most commonly affecting large- and giant-breed dogs. However a 17-year-old Shih-tzu (4 kg, spayed female) was hospitalized for acute GDV. Repeated unproductive retching, lethargy, and excessively enlarged abdomen were observed. Physical examination indicated that the patient had suffered from hypothermia ($36.5^{\circ}C$), tachycardia (240 bpm), slowed capillary refill time (> 2 sec.), and pale mucous membrane. Grade III murmur with normal lung sound was auscultated. Abdominal palpation revealed that tympanic regions existed in both the left and right sides. Systolic blood pressure decreased gradually from 220 to 40 mmHg within 4 hours. In blood analysis, slight azotemia was observed by blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 29.1 mg/dl) and creatinine (1.6 mg/dl). Blood lactate concentration (8.13 mmol/l) was severely elevated. Additionally, dilatation and volvulus of the stomach was observed by radiograph. Supportive oxygen, heat, fluid, and drugs were administered with gastric decompressions (e.g., gastrocentesis and nasogastric tube). However the patient entered into comatose status with uncontrollable systolic blood pressure, despite the administration of dobutamine intravenously. The case was closed by euthanasia, considering welfare and age. We finally diagnosed the patient as a GDV, thus this is the first GDV case report in small-breed dog such as Shih-tzu.