ABSTRACT: Gastric dilatation (GD) involves the abnormal accumulation of fluid and/or air within the stomach. It may occur in isolation or be associated with volvulus of the stomach: this is referred to as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and it is an acute, life-threatening syndrome, which primarily, but not exclusively, affects large-breed dogs. It has rarely been recorded in cats and small mammals. The survival of patients with GDV relies on prompt diagnosis and effective emergency stabilisation prior to surgical intervention. This article will discuss the predisposing factors for GDV as well as the diagnosis and discuss the important aspects of initial patient stabilisation.

Author(s)

Jennifer McGinnity MVB MRCVS

Jennifer graduated from University College, Dublin, in 2015 and works as a rotating intern at Vets-Now Referrals (Glasgow Hospital). She has a special interest in small animal surgery.

Elizabeth M. Welsh BVMS PhD CertVA CertSAS MRCVS

Liz graduated from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in 1989. She works forVets-Now Referrals (Glasgow Hospital) as a referral clinician in soft tissue surgery

Keywords: Clinical, Gastric dilatation

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 31 (06) • June 2016 pp180-184

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