Dogs (n = 136) with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome were followed over time to measure recurrence and mortality rates and to identify prognostic factors. Thirty-three (24.3%) died or were euthanized during the first seven days. Of 85 cases that were followed for up to three years, nine (10.6%) cases each had a recurrence of GDV and seven (8.2%) cases died or were euthanized. The median survival times for cases that had gastropexies and those that did not were 547 and 188 days, respectively. Depressed or comatose cases on admission were three and 36 times, respectively, more likely to die than alert cases, while cases with gastric necrosis were 11 times more likely to die.
A study was conducted of 101 dogs (i.e., case dogs) that had acute episodes of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and 101 dogs (i.e., control dogs) with nonGDV-related problems. The control dogs were matched individually to case dogs by breed or size, and age. Predisposing factors that significantly (p less than 0.10) increased a dog's risk of GDV were male gender, being underweight, eating one meal daily, eating rapidly, and a fearful temperament. Predisposing factors that decreased the risk of GDV significantly were a "happy" temperament and inclusion of table foods in a usual diet consisting primarily of dry dog food. The only factor that appeared to precipitate an acute episode of GDV was stress.
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