Preventative gastropexy is a
surgical procedure which is performed to reduce the occurrence
of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat
and torsion. This condition usually affects large breed dogs
with deep, narrow chest cavities. Great Danes, German Shepherds,
and Labrador Retrievers are among the breeds mostly commonly
affected. GDV is a distension of the stomach with air and food
leading to increased pressure and a rotation of the stomach. As
the stomach rotates the openings into and out of the stomach, as
well as the blood supply, are cut off thereby causing a
potentially fatal condition. If the condition is left untreated,
dogs may die within just a few hours. Even with treatment as
many as 33% of dogs with GDV die.
Treatment for GDV varies
depending on the severity of the condition. Patients are
stabilized with intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy. Next a
tube is passed into the stomach to remove any air, fluid or
undigested food. If a tube cannot be passed, a needle is
inserted through the side of the abdomen into the distended
stomach to release air and pressure. The pet must then undergo
surgery to reposition the stomach and remove any dead stomach
tissue. The right side of the stomach is also surgically tacked
to the abdominal wall to aid in decreasing the possibility of
reoccurrence.
For those breeds of dogs that are
considered to be at increased risk, we can perform a
preventative gastropexy, more commonly known as "tacking" of the
stomach. During the surgery, the right side of the stomach is
sutured to the body wall. As the surgery site heals, the tissues
of the stomach and the body wall form a strong adhesion thereby
preventing the stomach from twisting during a bloat. At SBAC, we
perform this preventative surgery using minimally invasive
surgical techniques.
While traditional surgery
requires a long incision, we perform gastropexies
laparoscopically via one small incision with the use of a camera
and specialized instruments. Because this type of surgical
technique does not require a long incision to be made through
muscle, the surgery is less painful for the pet and results in a
quicker recovery. This technique also allows for a reduced
surgery time and the use of less anesthesia for the patient.
Gastropexy Photos
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