Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate risk factors associated with death and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
166 dogs.


METHODS
Records of dogs with confirmed GDV that underwent surgery were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with development of complications (ie, hypotension, arrhythmias, gastric necrosis necessitating gastrectomy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, peritonitis, sepsis, postoperative dilatation, postoperative vomiting, and incisional problems) and with short-term outcome (ie, died vs survived to the time of suture removal).


RESULTS
Short-term mortality rate was 16.2% (27/166). Risk factors significantly associated with death prior to suture removal were clinical signs for > 6 hours prior to examination, combined splenectomy and partial gastrectomy, hypotension at any time during hospitalization, peritonitis, sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Partial gastrectomy was not a significant risk factor for death but was for peritonitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, and arrhythmias. Age, gastrectomy, and disseminated intravascular coagulation were risk factors for development of hypotension. Use of a synthetic colloid or hypertonic saline solution was associated with a significantly decreased risk of hypotension.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that the prognosis for dogs undergoing surgery because of GDV is good but that certain factors are associated with an increased risk that dogs will develop perioperative complications or die.
Beck
Jennifer J
JJ
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.
Staatz
Andrew J
AJ
Pelsue
Davyd H
DH
Kudnig
Simon T
ST
MacPhail
Catriona M
CM
Seim
Howard B
HB
Monnet
Eric
E
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome