title: Epidemiology of gastric dilatation-volvulus in the military working dog program.
abstract: Examination of case records of 914 military working dogs which died during the period January 1, 1987-December 31, 1989, revealed 31 deaths (3.4%) due to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or its complications. The fata episode of GDV was the only reported occurrence of this condition in 81% of the dogs. Male German shepherd dogs, 6-10 years of age, that were fed a medicated high-energy ration once per day, predominated. Dogs in this study that had a prior history of acute gastric dilatation (AGD) or GDV, and that were decompressed by non-surgical means, eventually died of GDV. A comparison with dogs surviving an AGD or GDV episode from the same time period showed most to have had surgical decompression and gastropexy.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Division, United States Department of Defense Military Working Dog Agency, Lackland Air Force Base, TX 78236-5000.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Butzin
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014481:United States; D014731:Veterinary Service, Military