Factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus: 137 cases (1988-1993).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus and to determine the influence of treatment differences between university and private specialty practices on outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of medical records.


METHODS
137 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.


METHODS
Signalment; frequency of preoperative and postoperative treatments and complications; intraoperative findings; surgical technique; and hematologic, serum biochemical, and electrocardiographic results were recorded, evaluated for association with mortality, and compared between institutions.


RESULTS
Mortality did not differ between institutions, and overall mortality was 18% (24/137). Surgical techniques differed between institutions, but were not associated with mortality. Gastric necrosis was associated with significantly higher mortality (46%; 13/28). When partial gastrectomy or splenectomy was performed, mortality (35 and 32% or 8/23 and 10/31, respectively) was significantly increased. Splenectomy was performed in 11 of 23 dogs requiring partial gastrectomy, and when both procedures were performed, mortality (55%; 6/11) was significantly increased. Preoperative cardiac arrhythmias were associated with significantly higher mortality (38%; 6/16). Mortality in dogs > 10 years old was not significantly greater than that in younger dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient management differences between practices did not seem to influence survival in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus. Signalment, including age, did not influence mortality. Gastric necrosis, gastric resection, splenectomy, and preoperative cardiac arrhythmias were associated with mortality > 30%.
Brourman
J D
JD
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Schertel
E R
ER
Allen
D A
DA
Birchard
S J
SJ
DeHoff
W D
WD
D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D013270:Stomach / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000662:veterinary