Incidence of and breed-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare incidence of and breed-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) among 11 dog breeds (Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, and Weimaraner).


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
1,914 dogs.


METHODS
Owners of dogs that did not have a history of GDV were recruited at dog shows, and the dog's length and height and depth and width of the thorax and abdomen were measured. Information concerning the dogs' medical history, genetic background, personality, and diet was obtained from owners, and owners were contacted by mail and telephone at approximately 1-year intervals to determine whether dogs had developed GDV or died. Incidence of GDV based on the number of dog-years at risk was calculated for each breed, and breed-related risk factors were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Incidence of GDV for the 7 large (23 to 45 kg [50 to 99 lb]) and 4 giant (> 45 kg [> 99 lb]) breeds was 23 and 26 cases/1,000 dog-years at risk, respectively. Of the 105 dogs that developed GDV, 30 (28.6%) died. Incidence of GDV increased with increasing age. Cumulative incidence of GDV was 5.7% for all breeds. The only breed-specific characteristic significantly associated with a decreased incidence of GDV was an owner-perceived personality trait of happiness.
Glickman
L T
LT
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1243, USA.
Glickman
N W
NW
Schellenberg
D B
DB
Raghavan
M
M
Lee
T L
TL
D000367:Age Factors; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001947:Breeding; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004285:Dogs; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament