Multiple risk factors for the gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in dogs: a practitioner/owner case-control study.
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.
Glickman
L T
LT
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1243, USA.
Glickman
N W
NW
Schellenberg
D B
DB
Simpson
K
K
Lantz
G C
GC
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015984:Causality; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D004285:Dogs; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000662:veterinary; D013694:Temperament