Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a life threatening emergency. What do we know about it? Well it tends to happen in large to giant breed, older dogs. Commonly presents with a large distended stomach and history of non-productive retching.
Diagnostic view: Right lateral X-ray
Emergency Treatment involves:
1. Two IV catheters
2. Shock Bolus (10-20ml/kg)
3. Pain Meds (I start with methadone - please don’t use Buprenorphine before sending for surgery. It’s not enough pain control and binds tightly to the mu receptors so other pure mu opioids won’t work as well)
4. Trocharization of the stomach (ultrasound to make sure spleen isn’t in the way)
Helpful discussion points:
1. We don’t know what caused it - could be a foreign body vs cancer vs no reason at all
2. Prognosis is pretty good once it is de-rotated but they can have motility problems since the pylorus controls upper GI movement (and that’s where you pexy)
3. Have to make decisions quickly as time is of the essence for these guys. Need to get into surgery quickly.
I have done a lot of GDV surgeries as an emergency vet and it’s SO amazing watching these patients leave the hospital ♥️
As far as post op complications, it’s really hit or miss. Best advice? Prepare the owner for anything and everything that could go wrong.
Annabelle is still having some post-op ileus and it makes me really sad because I am attached to her outcome. Even on vacation, we think about our patients. Maybe it’s a younger doctor thing? Or maybe it’s just my personality? I can shut it off mostly, but just so everyone knows, your pets are literally in our dreams and we think about the hard cases long after they’re home and healthy with their owners. It’s part of the job, I suppose. The connections we make when we save a life are forever ♥️
So send lots of positive healing vibes to all the puppies out there getting surgery today. Swipe right to see Annabelle leave the hospital 🥹
#veg #vegambassador #gdv #emergencyvet #veterinarian #emergencysurgery