Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency in large dogs. The only universally accepted method to prevent GDV is a gastropexy. Other management practices are frequently recommended to reduce the likelihood of gastric dilatation, but a gastropexy is considered the only method to prevent volvulus. This paper describes the author’s recently published technique for an incisional gastropexy with laparoscopic assistance.1 The gastropexy is strong, and the technique is relatively quick and easy for the beginning laparoscopic surgeon to perform.
Full-term GDV usually occurs in deep-chested dogs having the typical history of eating a large meal, drinking a lot of water, and having post-prandial excitement or stress. Signs include nonproductive attempts to vomit, drooling, pacing, rapid breathing, distended abdomen, and signs of shock. The combination of a large meal, excessive water intake, and aerophagia produces gastric distention. This gastric accumulation is exacerbated by delayed gastric emptying and decreased fluid absorption...