Changes

===Gastric decompression===

===Gastric decompression===

Following a period of aggressive fluid therapy, gastric decompression should be performed. A lubricated large-bore stomach tube is premeasured (from nostril to last rib)and marked. A roll of 2 inch adhesive tape should be inserted behind the canine teeth and the dog's mouth should be held closed around the banadage. The stomach tube can then be introduced through the bandage into the oesophagus.  and should not be advanced beyond the marked point. It is important to mimimise stress when this procedure is carried out. Sedation is not usually required but suitable drugs for this include Butorphanol, Fentanyl or Diazepam. It the animal is resistant to orogastric intubation or becomes stressed, trocharizing the most tympanic area caudal to the ribs with a 14 to 16 gauge catheter. This may allow susequent completion of orogastric intubation for further decompression.

Following a period of aggressive fluid therapy, gastric decompression should be performed. A lubricated large-bore stomach tube is premeasured (from nostril to last rib)and marked. A roll of 2 inch adhesive tape should be inserted behind the canine teeth and the dog's mouth should be held closed around the banadage. The stomach tube can then be introduced through the bandage into the oesophagus.  and should not be advanced beyond the marked point. It is important to mimimise stress when this procedure is carried out. Sedation is not usually required but suitable drugs for this include Butorphanol, Fentanyl or Diazepam. It the animal is resistant to orogastric intubation or becomes stressed, trocharization of the most tympanic area caudal to the ribs with a 14 to 16 gauge catheter may be performed. This may allow susequent completion of orogastric intubation for further decompression.

===Radiography===

===Radiography===

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. Loss of contrast in the abdomen may indicate peritonitis or haemoabdomen.

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 dorso-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. Loss of contrast in the abdomen may indicate peritonitis or haemoabdomen.

 

 

Most commonly find hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis. The acidosis is caused hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism leading to lactic acid accumulation. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis may also be present due to hypo- and hyperventilation.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Once the patient has been stabilised, the volvulus should be surgically reduced via a cranioventral midline laparotomy. In a ventral midline approach, the first visible structure encountered with a clockwise rotation of the stomach is the ventral leaf of the omentum. The spleen may be displaced from the left side of the abdomen to the right (ventral) side.  

Once the patient has been stabilised, the volvulus should be surgically reduced via a cranioventral midline laparotomy. In a ventral midline approach, the first visible structure encountered with a clockwise rotation of the stomach is the ventral leaf of the omentum. The spleen may be displaced from the left side of the abdomen to the right (ventral) side.