Plasma lactate concentration as a predictor of gastric necrosis and survival among dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: 102 cases (1995-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To determine relationships between plasma lactate concentration and gastric necrosis and between plasma lactate concentration and outcome for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
102 dogs.


METHODS
Information on signalment, history, plasma lactate concentration, medical and surgical treatment, cost of hospitalization, and outcome was retrieved from medical records.


RESULTS
69 of 70 (99%) dogs with plasma lactate concentration < 6.0 mmol/L survived, compared with 18 of 31 (58%) dogs with plasma lactate concentration > 6.0 mmol/L (1 dog euthanatized for economic reasons was not included). Gastric necrosis was identified in 38 (37%) dogs. Median plasma lactate concentration in dogs with gastric necrosis (6.6 mmol/L) was significantly higher than concentration in dogs without gastric necrosis (3.3 mmol/L). Specificity and sensitivity of using plasma lactate concentration (with a cutoff of 6.0 mmol/L) to predict which dogs had gastric necrosis were 88 and 61%, respectively. Sixty-two of 63 (98%) dogs without gastric necrosis survived, compared with 25 of 38 (66%) dogs with gastric necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative plasma lactate concentration was a good predictor of gastric necrosis and outcome for dogs with GDV. Preoperative measurement of plasma lactate concentration may assist in determining prognosis of dogs with GDV.
Section of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
E
E
de Papp
K J
KJ
Drobatz
D
D
Hughes
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013270:Stomach / Q000473:pathology*; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015996:Survival Rate
D019344:Lactic Acid