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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (view source)
Revision as of 12:29, 20 August 2010
, 12:29, 20 August 2010no edit summary
==History and Clinical signs==
==History and Clinical signs==
The owner will often report a history of non-productive vomiting (retching) an an acute onset of abdominal distension. There may be a history of rapid consumption of food followed shortly by exercise.
The owner will often report a history of non-productive vomiting (retching) and an acute onset of abdominal distension. There may be a history of rapid consumption of food followed shortly after by exercise.
On physical examination, the dog may be collapsed or reluctant to stand. Abdominal distension and tympany are often
*Non-productive retching
*Non-productive retching
*Weakness
*Weakness
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's history of unproductive vomiting and abdominal distension and signalment (i.e. a large breed dog). Abdominal radiography may be beneficial in confirming a diagnosis of GDV and distinguishing between GDV and gastric dilatation without volvulus. Radiography should not be performed until gastric decompression has been performed and intravenous fluids have been started. A radiograph performed in right lateral recumbency shows a dorsally and cranially positioned pylorus positioned to the left of the midline. The stomach will appear compartmentalised with a soft tissue strip separating the two compartments. The oesophagus may appear dilated with air or fluid.
Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's history of unproductive vomiting and abdominal distension and signalment (i.e. a large breed dog). Abdominal radiography may be beneficial in confirming a diagnosis of GDV and distinguishing between GDV and gastric dilatation. Radiography should not be carried out until gastric decompression has been performed and intravenous fluids have been started. A radiograph performed in right lateral recumbency shows a dorsally and cranially positioned pylorus to the left of the midline. The stomach will appear compartmentalised with a soft tissue strip separating the two compartments. The oesophagus may appear dilated with air or fluid. Evidence of air in the abdomen indicates that perforation has occurred and requires an exploratory surgical procedure.