Article

The Effect of Ingredients in Dry Dog Foods on the Risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs

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Abstract

Using dry dog food label information, the hypothesis was tested that the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) increases with an increasing number of soy and cereal ingredients and a decreasing number of animal-protein ingredients among the first four ingredients. A nested case-control study was conducted with 85 GDV cases and 194 controls consuming a single brand and variety of dry food. Neither an increasing number of animal-protein ingredients (P=0.79) nor an increasing number of soy and cereal ingredients (P=0.83) among the first four ingredients significantly influenced GDV risk. An unexpected finding was that dry foods containing an oil or fat ingredient (e.g., sunflower oil, animal fat) among the first four ingredients were associated with a significant (P=0.01), 2.4-fold increased risk of GDV. These findings suggest that the feeding of dry dog foods that list oils or fats among the first four label ingredients predispose a high-risk dog to GDV.

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... One common recommendation in the past has been to raise the food bowl of animal when they eat, but this may actually increase the risk of GDV [8]. Eating only once daily [9] and eating food consisting of particles less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in size also may increase the risk of GDV [10]. One study looking at the ingredients (Table 1) of dry animal's food found that while neither grains, soy, nor animal proteins increased risk of bloat, foods containing an increased amount of added oils or fats do increase the risk, possibly owing to delayed emptying of the stomach [10]. ...
... Eating only once daily [9] and eating food consisting of particles less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in size also may increase the risk of GDV [10]. One study looking at the ingredients (Table 1) of dry animal's food found that while neither grains, soy, nor animal proteins increased risk of bloat, foods containing an increased amount of added oils or fats do increase the risk, possibly owing to delayed emptying of the stomach [10]. ...
... Gastropexies are also performed prophylactic ally in dogs considered to be at high risk of GDV, including dogs with previous episodes or with gastrointestinal disease predisposing to GDV, and dogs with a first-order relative (parent or sibling) with a history of it [8]. Precautions that are likely to help prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus include feeding small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal, and not exercising immediately before or after a meal [10]. ...
Article
Herbal remedies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) disease in women would be the best. Polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOS) a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The problem of polycystic ovary syndrome in women can be eliminated with herbal remedies. With herbal remedies we can control the imbalance of female hormones (Estrogen and progesterone) there are some herbs in the environment like (Paeonia lactiflora, Cinnamomum cassia, Green tea, Turmeric) which can prove to be effective in controlling hormones. The current state of treatment for PCOS is Dietary Therapy, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). By taking more of her regular balancing exercises and sources of vitamin D, women can also prevent their hormones from being under control and imbalance, which can prevent dangerous diseases like PCOS.
... A grain-rich dry food (3.8% cellulose) versus an all-meat food (0.74% cellulose in the dry matter) also enhanced gastric emptying (19). Research on the relation between dry food composition and GDV risk left crude fiber out of account (5,20). ...
... The cohort study (5) also compared patients (n=85) and controls (194) with commercial dry food as major energy source (20). There was no association between GDV and plant or animal ingredients declared on the food label among the first four ingredients. ...
... There was no association between GDV and plant or animal ingredients declared on the food label among the first four ingredients. Otherwise, 45% of the GDV patients, versus 28% of the controls, consumed a dry food with a purified animal fat and/or plant oil among the first four label ingredients (20). Possibly, refined fat retards gastric emptying (18), thus facilitating gastric gas accumulation and increasing GDV risk. ...
Article
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Diet and canine gastric dilatation
... [9][10][11]24,26 Sex was not found to be a risk factor. 10,26 Dietary-related risk factors include feeding a single meal daily, feeding large meals, 11,23 feeding a diet that lists a fat or oil as 1 of the first 4 ingredients, 22 and feeding a diet with kibble size less than 30 mm. 26 Cereal-based diets have been excluded as risk factors contributing to the development of gastric dilatation-volvulus, and no link between level of dietary carbohydrates and the condition has been identified. 22,23 Dogs that are fed by using a raised food bowl were found to have an increased risk, 10 however rapid eating behavior has not consistently been shown to increase the risk of developing gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs. ...
... 10,26 Dietary-related risk factors include feeding a single meal daily, feeding large meals, 11,23 feeding a diet that lists a fat or oil as 1 of the first 4 ingredients, 22 and feeding a diet with kibble size less than 30 mm. 26 Cereal-based diets have been excluded as risk factors contributing to the development of gastric dilatation-volvulus, and no link between level of dietary carbohydrates and the condition has been identified. 22,23 Dogs that are fed by using a raised food bowl were found to have an increased risk, 10 however rapid eating behavior has not consistently been shown to increase the risk of developing gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs. 10,11,23,26 Although disorders of gastric motility have been suspected to be risk factors for gastric volvulus in dogs, this remains unproven. ...
... In these species, risk factors include physiologic and dietary habits. 3,[8][9][10][11]13,17,[20][21][22][23][24]26,29 Feeding practices including meal size and frequency are associated with gastric volvulus development in dogs and pigs. 3,11,20,21,23,29 Diet composition has been found to be a risk factor for gastric volvulus in dogs only; 11,20,22,23,26 however, it has not been thoroughly evaluated as a risk factor in other species. ...
Article
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Gastric volvulus has been documented in several species of animals and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report 2 cases of gastric volvulus in guinea pigs that died without detection of prior clinical signs. Both guinea pigs were adult female guinea pigs in a breeding colony and had given birth to multiple litters; one was pregnant at the time of death. Gastric rotations of 540° and 360° were identified at necropsy examination. These cases include the first known report of gastric rotation greater than 360° in any species. Although gastric volvulus has been reported to occur in guinea pigs, little is known about its risk factors, etiology, and pathogenesis. We conducted a literature review to compare gastric volvulus between guinea pigs and other species.
... 28,29). In 2010, Aldrich (30) properly pointed out that citric acid is not mentioned in the publication about the study (31). In addition, he argued that citric acid does not induce bloat or gastric dilation volvulus. ...
... In an earlier publication by the same research group (32) citric acid was not mentioned. Both papers (31,32) neither touched on citrate. Aldrich (30) thought that the authors retracted the data as to citric acid or published the information elsewhere. ...
Article
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Citrate in dog food In dog food, citric acid (C6H8O7) and tripotassium citrate (K3C6H5O7) may be additives (cf. Note 1, 2). Citric acid is used as a preservative, or technological additive. Tripotassium citrate is a food additive applied as flavoring agent and acidity regulator. Citric acid is an organic compound with three carboxyl groups. It's fully or partially deprotonated form is citrate, an anion with valencies of-1 to-3. As implied, the tricarboxylate's counter ion, or cation, can be potassium. In blood and urine of dogs, citrate is measurable. That citrate is derived from body synthesis and dietary ingredients, and possibly the additives mentioned. Citrate is produced within cellular mitochondria. It is a key metabolic intermediate in ATP formation, a precursor of the amino acids glutamine and proline, and a building block of fatty acids (Note 3). In solution, there is equilibrium between citric acid and citrate ions. In the dog's body fluids, citrate dominates (Note 4). Intestinal absorption of dietary citrate in dogs is substantial, but unquantified. Estimated, maximal content of citrate in unsupplemented dry dog food is 2.4 g/kg dry matter, or per kg of the food's residue after removal of its moisture. The amount could be 7.2 g in diets with added potassium citrate, as used for dogs with calcium-oxalate bladder stones (Note 5). That citrate level likely is without harm: a 4-month toxicity test in dogs found that 92 g citrate/kg dietary dry matter is safe.
... Die Höhe der Futterschüssel scheint hingegen keinen Einfluss auf das Luftabschlucken zu haben, denn in dieser Hinsicht widerspricht sich die Literatur. Der Einfluss von kommerzieller Diät mit einem hohen Anteil an Kohlenhydraten und aufquellendem Trockenfutter solle im Weiteren dazu geführt haben, dass vermehrt Magendrehungen zu beobachten seien (Raghavan et al., 2006). Auch diese Studie wurde widerlegt (Raghavan et al., 2004(Raghavan et al., , 2006. ...
... Der Einfluss von kommerzieller Diät mit einem hohen Anteil an Kohlenhydraten und aufquellendem Trockenfutter solle im Weiteren dazu geführt haben, dass vermehrt Magendrehungen zu beobachten seien (Raghavan et al., 2006). Auch diese Studie wurde widerlegt (Raghavan et al., 2004(Raghavan et al., , 2006. Interessant sind Berichte, wonach "glückliche Hunde" weniger häufig Magendrehungen bekommen sollen. ...
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... Au niveau de la composition de la ration, on a longtemps incriminé les rations sèches du commerce élaborées à base de céréales [38]; toutefois une étude [202] récente portant sur les facteurs de risques alimentaires du SDTE est en contradiction avec cette affirmation et tire la conclusion que la présence d'huile ou de matière grasse parmi les quatre constituants principaux de la ration augmente significativement le risque de survenue d'un SDTE, tandis que les hydrates de carbones, longtemps cités comme responsables [72,249] n'ont pas montré une augmentation du risque de SDTE quand leur participation à la couverture des besoins en énergie métabolisable augmentait. Dans la même étude, le risque s'est trouvé être diminué avec l'augmentation de la quantité de protéines d'origine animale dans la ration sèche du commerce. ...
... Compte tenu des facteurs de risque alimentaires évoqués précédemment, la ration idéale devrait se composer de particules dont le diamètre serait supérieur à 30 mm, favorisant ainsi la mastication et l'augmentation de la durée des repas. La ration quotidienne pourra être donnée en deux ou trois prises alimentaires au sol [202]. Bien que l'implication de l'activité physique dans la pathogénie du SDTE soit peu claire, il conviendra de ne pas distribuer de repas dans les heures précédant ou suivant immédiatement l'activité physique. ...
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Le syndrome dilatation-torsion de l'estomac est chez le chien une affection suraiguë aux conséquences gravissimes qui engagent le pronostic vital. L'étiologie obscure et la multitude de facteurs de risque isolés rendent difficile la mise en place d'une stratégie de prévention non invasive et ne permettent pas d'en garantir l'efficacité. La gastropexie antropylorique prophylactique semble être un moyen efficace. La technique chirurgicale par laparoscopie présentée ici a été étudiée sur un lot de 7 chiennes pendant plus de 2 mois. Elle permet de manière peu invasive l'obtention d'adhérences mécaniquement compétentes tout en n'entraînant aucune conséquence délétère sur la physiologie du tractus gastro-intestinal (inflammation et douleur induites, vidange gastrique, absorption gastro-intestinale de sucres). L'absence d'effets secondaires et de morbidité post-opératoire de cette technique permet d'en envisager l'application en routine clinique.
... Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is an acute, life-threatening condition affecting a wide variety of dog breeds, most commonly large-and giant-breed dogs. Predisposing factors associated with GDV include increasing age, being underweight, history of GDV in a first-degree relative, rapid eating, once daily feedings, exercising either before or following meals, fearful or anxious temperaments, increased thoracic depth-to-width ratio, and increased hepatogastric ligament length [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. A recent and gastrointestinal (GI) upset [37]. ...
Article
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Objective To report the outcomes and complications associated with prophylactic incisional gastropexy performed in dog breeds at risk for GDV. Results Seven hundred and sixty-six dogs underwent prophylactic incisional gastropexy of which 61 were electively performed at the time of castration or spay and 705 were adjunctively performed at the time of emergency abdominal surgery. All dogs had short-term follow-up, and 446 dogs (58.2%) had additional follow-up with a median long-term follow-up time of 876 days (range 58-4450). Only 3 dogs (0.4%) had a direct complication associated with the gastropexy site including hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen (2) and infection with partial dehiscence (1). No dogs with long-term follow-up experienced gastric dilatation (GD), gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), or persistent GI signs following gastropexy. Results of this study found that complications directly associated with prophylactic gastropexy were rare and limited to hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen and infection with partial dehiscence. Transient postoperative GI signs may occur. Gastropexy malpositioning and bowel entrapment were not encountered. There was no occurrence of GD or GDV.
... Other reported risk factors include increased age 18 , low Body Condition Score (BCS) 17 , nervous or a fearful temperament 17 , stressful events occurring within 8 hours prior to the GDV episode 12 , and a familial history of GDV 18 . Nutrition-related risk factors have also been identified, such as eating one meal per day, small food particles, rapid food ingestion 17,20 and eating only one type of food 14 . Some authors have suggested a relationship between GDV and weather conditions with one study reporting a higher incidence during winter months 21, whereas another reported an increase in environmental temperature presented as a significant risk factor for GDV 16 . ...
Article
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Objective To evaluate/ determine the risk factors for dogs presented with Gastric Dilation- Volvulus (GDV) to a referral veterinary centre and to compare the results with those currently reported in veterinary literature. Materials and Methods The observational case-control study comprised a population of 215 dogs that attended the referral centre between 2000 and 2018. Medical records were searched for GDV and those matching the criteria were manually reviewed. A questionnaire was completed by the owners of the dogs involved in the study (both case and control populations) in order to gain further information that could be considered relevant to GDVs. In particular, information included the dogs’ behaviour and the dogs daily activities. Results The study included 115 cases of GDV and 115 controls. Out of the GDV dogs 13% (15/115) were small breed dogs and the remaining 87% (100/115) either large or giant breeds. The following risk factors for developing a GDV have been identified: Purebred dogs over 3 years old and either large of giant breeds, weighing > 30 kg. Foreign body ingestion, diarrhoea, and grass consumption were also associated to increase the likelihood in developing GDV. Behavioural temperament was not associated with developing GDV. Clinical Significance The findings support previously identified risk factors in the development of GDV, but characteristics related to the dogs temperament warrant further investigation. Knowledge of these results will further allow clinicians to make evidence‐based recommendations to owners in attempting to prevent GDV in dogs. Furthermore this paper confirms that the risk of GDV in certain breeds and in certain conditions is always high and that GDV is still an extremely current disease.
... The 2 snow leopards in the present report were from the same institution, and both had received a 20% increase in the amount of horsemeat fed in response to a lean body condition score. In large-breed dogs, food composition and volume are reported risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus, 5,6 and these factors may have contributed to the gastric dilatation in the snow leopards as well. ...
Article
CASE DESCRIPTION 10 large felids at 8 facilities were determined or suspected to have developed gastric dilatation with or without enterotoxemia over a 20-year period. Four felids were found dead with no premonitory signs. CLINICAL FINDINGS 4 felids (2 male snow leopards [Uncia uncia], 1 male Amur tiger [Panthera tigris altaica], and 1 male Sumatran tiger [Panthera tigris sumatrae]) were found dead or died before they could be evaluated. Six felids had hematemesis (1 male and 1 female African lion [Panthera leo] and 1 male jaguar [Panthera onca]) or abdominal distention and signs of lethargy with or without vomiting (1 male African lion, 1 male Malayan tiger [Panthera tigris jacksoni], and 1 female Sumatran tiger). Gastric dilatation was radiographically and surgically confirmed in the male Malayan and female Sumatran tigers and the jaguar. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME In 3 felids with an antemortem diagnosis, the gastric dilatation resolved with decompressive laparotomy but then recurred in 1 felid, which subsequently died. Three others died at various points during hospitalization. Although Clostridium perfringens type A was recovered from 3 of the 5 felids for which microbial culture was performed, and 2 felids had a recent increase in the amount fed, no single factor was definitively identified that might have incited or contributed to the gastric dilatation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Gastric dilatation was a life-threatening condition in the large felids of this report, causing sudden death or clinical signs of hematemesis, abdominal distention, or vomiting. Even with rapid diagnosis and surgical decompression, the prognosis was poor. Research is needed into the factors that contribute to this emergent condition in large felids so that preventive measures might be taken.
... Dogs fed a large volume of food per meal were at increased risk of developing GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2004). Male gender, being under weight, eating rapidly, gastric motility disorders, stress are the predisposing factors for GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2006). This report describes the successful medical and surgical management of GDV and splenic torsion in a German Sheperd Dog. ...
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The incidence of dystocia in goats has been reported about 7% (Abdul-Rahman et al., 2000) to 8.23 % (Mehta et al., 2002). Fetal causes of dystocia are more common than maternal causes in goat (Abdul-Rahman et al., 2000) and sheep (Taha et al., 2005). Among dropsical conditions, the hydrallantois is more common compared to hydramnios (Hafez, 1993) and is frequently reported in bovines (having twins), rarely in mares (Milton et al., 1989) and less frequently in small ruminants. Hydrallantois is excessive accumulation of fluid in the allantoic sac in uterus, usually occurs within 5 to 20 days in advance pregnancy. Goats suffering from hydrallantois are usually presented in their second stage of labor with a history of sudden enlargement of the abdomen after mid gestation (Purohit, 2006). The present report documents a case of hydrallantois associated with fetal anasarca and its successful management in a non-descript doe.
... Dogs fed a large volume of food per meal were at increased risk of developing GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2004). Male gender, being under weight, eating rapidly, gastric motility disorders, stress are the predisposing factors for GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2006). This report describes the successful medical and surgical management of GDV and splenic torsion in a German Sheperd Dog. ...
Article
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The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of seasonal variations on various seminal attributes and freezability of Hariana bull semen. The study was conducted over a period of four months and divided into two peak seasons as winter (December-January) and summer (May-June). Twenty-four ejaculates were collected from 4 bulls in each season. The physico-morphological characteristics of semen, viz., volume (ml), mass activity (0-5 scale), pH, sperm concentration (million/ ml), progressive motility (%), sperm livability (%), HOST (%), total morphological sperm abnormality (%) and acrosomal integrity (%) were estimated at different stages of cryopreservation in different seasons. During summer season the ejaculate volume and seminal pH were found non-significantly higher than in winter, whereas the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was significantly (p Lass Than 0.05) higher in summer. Post- thaw percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was significantly (p Lass Than 0.05) higher in winter than summer season. Live sperm per cent were significantly (p Lass Than 0.05) higher in winter than summer season both at fresh and pre-freeze stage. HOST positive sperm and acrosomal integrity were significantly (p Lass Than 0.01) higher in winter season than summer at all three stages. The study generated basic information that the summer season adversely affects the various physico-morphological characteristics of Hariana bull semen altering its freezability.
... Dogs fed a large volume of food per meal were at increased risk of developing GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2004). Male gender, being under weight, eating rapidly, gastric motility disorders, stress are the predisposing factors for GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2006). This report describes the successful medical and surgical management of GDV and splenic torsion in a German Sheperd Dog. ...
Article
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Incidence of anaplasmosis in buffaloes in and around Navsari district was studied over a period of one year (2016-17). Clinical cases with history of fever, anaemia, icterus, anorexia and progressive debility presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Livestock Research Station and in field were suspected for presence of haemoprotozoan infections and specially examined for anaplasmosis by Giemsa stained thin blood smear (GSTBS), cELISA and PCR. The information related to epidemiological parameters was also collected for risk factor’ analysis. The overall incidence of anaplasmosis in buffaloes in and around Navsari district was 37.50%. Comparatively higher incidence was observed in field cases (63.63%) followed by cases from TVCC (60%) and LRS (25%). Seasonwise incidence was 43.75, 39.13 and 22.22% in winter, summer and monsoon, respectively. Incidence in buffaloes aged above 3 years and below 3 years was 40.47 and 16.66%, respectively. The overall effect of place, season and age on incidence of anaplasmosis in buffaloes was non-significant. Considering PCR as gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of GSTBS were 44.44, 100 and 79.16 %, respectively, whereas, corresponding figures for cELISA was 100 %. Results indicated fairly presence of anaplasmosis in buffaloes in and around Navsari but difficult to diagnose with routine smear examination. Therefore, use of advanced diagnostic techniques (PCR/ELISA) is advocated for confirmatory diagnosis.
... Dogs fed a large volume of food per meal were at increased risk of developing GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2004). Male gender, being under weight, eating rapidly, gastric motility disorders, stress are the predisposing factors for GDV, (Raghavan et al., 2006). This report describes the successful medical and surgical management of GDV and splenic torsion in a German Sheperd Dog. ...
Article
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The present investigation was planned to study growth hormone (GH) gene exon-4 polymorphism using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Surti and Mehsani goats. GH gene exon-4 region was found to be monomorphic on restriction digestion with HaeIII, which revealed only one genotype CC in both Surti and Mehsani goat breeds. The allelic frequency of C was 1.00 in both the breeds of goats with absence of D allele.
... Regardless, if left untreated, GDV can progress to tissue damage, shock, and death. Several risk factors have been identified including diet [18,19] and feeding regimes [2], age [1,4], behavior [2,20], and genetics [1,[3][4][5] suggesting that both environmental and genetic factors influence the risk of GDV. Previously, we identified variants of genes in both the adaptive and innate immune systems, toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and the dog version of human leukocyte antigen of the Major Histocompatibility Complex genes (DLA88; Class 1 and DRB1, Class 2), that were associated with increased risk of GDV [8]. ...
Article
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Background Large and giant dog breeds have a high risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) which is an acute, life-threatening condition. Previous work by our group identified a strong risk of GDV linked to specific alleles in innate and adaptive immune genes. We hypothesize that variation in the genes of the immune system act through modulation of the gut microbiome, or through autoimmune mechanisms, or both, to predispose dogs to this condition. Here, we investigate whether differences in the canine fecal microbiome are associated with GDV and are linked to previously identified risk alleles. Methodology/Principle findings Fecal samples from healthy Great Danes (n = 38), and dogs with at least one occurrence of GDV (n = 37) were collected and analyzed by paired-end sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Dietary intake and temperament were estimated from a study-specific dietary and temperament questionnaire. Dogs with GDV had significantly more diverse fecal microbiomes than healthy control dogs. Alpha diversity was significantly increased in dogs with GDV, as well as dogs with at least one risk allele for DRB1 and TRL5. We found no significant association of dietary intake and GDV. Dogs with GDV showed a significant expansion of the rare lineage Actinobacteria (p = 0.004), as well as a significantly greater abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.004) and a significantly lower abundance of Bacteroidetes (p<0.004). There was a significant difference in the abundance of 10 genera but after correction for multiple comparisons, none were significant. Bacterial phyla were significantly different between controls and dogs with GDV and at least one risk allele for DRB1 and TRL5. Actinobacteria were significantly higher in dogs with GDV and with one risk allele for DRB1 and TLR5 but not DLA88 genes. Furthermore, Collinsella was significantly increased in dogs with at least one risk allele for DRB1 and TLR5. Logistic regression showed that a model which included Actinobacteria, at least one risk allele,and temperament, explained 29% of the variation in risk of GDV in Great Danes. Conclusions The microbiome in GDV was altered by an expansion of a minor lineage and was associated with specific alleles of both innate and adaptive immunity genes. These associations are consistent with our hypothesis that immune genes may play a role in predisposition to GDV by altering the gut microbiome. Further research will be required to directly test the causal relationships of immune genes, the gut microbiome and GDV.
... Feeding dogs smaller meals more often, removing access to water right before food, avoiding exercise before and after meals, and not using elevated feeding dishes should be considered if a dog is predisposed to GDV. Avoiding a diet with fat and oil in the first four ingredients may also help reduce the chance of developing GDV (Raghavan et al, 2006). Other theories exist linking content of food, size of food kibbles, and citric acid contents with this condition but these remain unproven at this time. ...
... It was cited that fat slows gastric emptying into the duodenum. 26 Studies also show that feeding a single food type, especially dry food, increased the risk for GDV. Adding table food, fish, or eggs may decrease the risk. ...
... 5 Stress is the only factor shown to precipitate an acute episode of GDV. 5 Dry foods containing oil or fat (e.g., sunflower oil, animal fat) as one of the main ingredients are also associated with a significant 2.4-fold increased risk of GDV. 6 No sudden changes in the red panda's diet or environment preceded the development of GDV. GDV is most commonly reported in older (>7 years old) large and giant breed dogs, 7 with male dogs considered to be at greater risk, though both sexes are susceptible. ...
Article
To describe the successful management of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in a red panda. Clinical report. Red panda diagnosed with GDV. A 12-year-old male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was evaluated for acute onset inappetence, staggering, collapse, and tachypnea. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) was diagnosed by radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and exploratory celiotomy. Torsion of the stomach was corrected and an incisional gastropexy performed to prevent recurrence. No organs were devitalized, no other abnormalities detected, and the red panda recovered fully within 72 hours. GDV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for red pandas presenting with acute onset of unspecific signs such as collapse, inappetence, and abdominal distension. GDV in red pandas can be diagnosed and successfully treated as described in dogs.
... Though the aforementioned description is one hypothesized pathogenesis of GDV, it remains unknown whether torsion either causes or follows GD. 1 GDV is most commonly seen in large-and giant-breed dogs and has been identified in patients associated with increasing age, being underweight, history of GDV in a first-degree relative, rapid eating, once daily feedings, exercising either before or following meals, fearful/anxious temperaments, increased thoracic depth/width ratio, and increased hepatogastric ligament length. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] A recent history of splenectomy may be associated with GDV, but reports evaluating this are conflicting. 12,13 Standard treatment of GDV patients prior to surgery includes aggressive fluid therapy and gastric decompression via either orogastric intubation or trocarization. ...
Article
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Incisional gastropexy (IG) is routinely performed as either a prophylactic procedure to prevent occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or at the time of surgical correction of GDV to prevent recurrence. Despite its common use, the long-term efficacy of the IG procedure has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that IG performed either during surgical treatment of GDV or as a prophylactic measure would effectively prevent GDV. Medical records of 61 dogs undergoing IG following either gastric derotation for treatment of GDV or as a prophylactic procedure were evaluated retrospectively. Median follow-up time for all dogs was 717 days (range, 49-2,511 days). Of the 61 dogs, 27 had prophylactic IG performed. The remaining 34 dogs presented for GDV and had an IG performed during surgical treatment of GDV. No dog experienced GDV after IG. Recurrence of gastric dilatation (GD) alone was noted in 3 of 34 patients (8.8%) undergoing IG during surgery for GDV and in 3 of 27 patients (11.1%) treated prophylactically with IG. This study confirmed the efficacy of IG for the long-term prevention of GDV in dogs.
... For the 28 dogs with data available, 85% were fed once daily, which is in agreement with a recent New Zealand study where 98% of working farm dogs were fed once daily at the end of the day (Singh et al. 2011). Dogs fed a large volume of food have been shown to be at high risk of developing GDV (Raghavan et al. 2006). Feeding twice daily may reduce the incidence of GD or GDV. ...
Article
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To present findings from a case series of gastric dilatation (GD) or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in working farm dogs in New Zealand that were examined at veterinary clinics, and to identify possible risk factors for GD or GDV in working farm dogs in New Zealand using a case-control study. This retrospective study included a case-series and a case-control study. The case series analysed information from 62 case records of GD or GDV in working farm dogs seen between August 2004 and September 2009 at 13 veterinary clinics throughout New Zealand. Cases were classified as GD or GDV if the diagnosis was confirmed by radiography, surgery or post-mortem examination. Details of history and treatment, as well as outcomes, were obtained for each case. For the case-control study, records of 41 working farm dogs with GD or GDV (cases) seen between April 2008 and April 2009, and 82 working farm dogs examined because of trauma over the same period and in the same 13 clinics (controls), were used to model the risk factors for GD or GDV. From the case-series study, 40/62 (65%) cases of GD or GDV that were examined and treated at the veterinary clinics returned to work. Of the 41 dogs where the gastric contents were recorded, 25 (61%) had predominantly food or bones in the stomach, and 26/27 dogs had a history of having eaten meat, bones or scavenged a carcass. The case-control study showed that the significant risk factors for GD or GDV, compared with control dogs presenting with trauma, were breed, age and season. The odds that a case of GD or GDV was a Huntaway, after adjusting for age and season, was 19 times higher than the odds a control was a Huntaway. Gender and bodyweight were not identified as risk factors. A high proportion of farm working dogs with GD or GDV were successfully treated by veterinarians. The risk of a case of GD or GDV being a Huntaway was significantly higher than for a dog presenting as a trauma case. However the influences of the season of the year, climatic factors and nutritional factors on the pathogenesis need to be identified before adequate preventative measures can be recommended.
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Objective To report the outcomes and complications associated with prophylactic incisional gastropexy performed in dog breeds at risk for GDV. Results Seven hundred and sixty-six dogs underwent prophylactic incisional gastropexy of which 61 were electively performed at the time of castration or spay and 705 were adjunctively performed at the time of emergency abdominal surgery. All dogs had short-term follow-up, and 446 dogs (58.2%) had additional follow-up with a median long-term follow-up time of 876 days (range 58-4450). Only 3 dogs (0.4%) had a direct complication associated with the gastropexy site including hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen (2) and infection with partial dehiscence (1). No dogs with long-term follow-up experienced gastric dilatation (GD), gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), or persistent GI signs following gastropexy. Results of this study found that complications directly associated with prophylactic gastropexy were rare and limited to hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen and infection with partial dehiscence. Transient postoperative GI signs may occur. Gastropexy malpositioning and bowel entrapment were not encountered. There was no occurrence of GD or GDV.
Chapter
Enteral nutrition is critical in patient recovery and uncomplicated gastrointestinal (GI) healing. This chapter presents a laparoscopic-assisted approach for feeding tube placement in most cases when GI diagnostic exploration and biopsy is also indicated. For laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted gastrotomy, enterotomy, and enterectomy, the patient is positioned in a similar manner to when diagnostic procedures of the GI tract are performed. Laparoscopic-assisted intestinal resection and anastomosis are performed in humans for small bowel obstruction of various causes, including small bowel tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and postoperative adhesion formation. Laparoscopic-assisted enterostomy tube placement should be performed after evaluation of the GI viscera when using the multiport technique because loss of pneumoperitoneum results in enlargement of the paramedian instrument incision. All surgery, including laparoscopic-assisted procedures, induces tissue trauma and discomfort, necessitating perioperative analgesia. Pain control is easily accomplished in most dogs and cats after laparoscopic GI surgery; however, there is a paucity of controlled studies on the subject.
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Canine gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common life-threatening condition occurring primarily in large and giant breeds with a 3.9% to 36.7% lifetime risk. The genetic correlates of GDV have not previously been systematically explored. We undertook an inter-breed genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of 253 dogs from ten breeds including 106 healthy dogs and 147 dogs with at least one GDV episode. SNP array genotyping followed by imputation was conducted on 241 samples to identify GDV-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs). A subset of 33 dogs (15 healthy dogs and 18 GDV patients from the three most represented breeds) was characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). After genome-wide Bonferroni correction, we identified a significant putatively protective intergenic SNP (rs851737064) across all breeds. The signal was most significant in Collies, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Great Danes. Subsequent focused analysis across these three breeds identified 12 significant additional putatively protective or deleterious SNPs. Notable significant SNPs included those occurring in genes involved in gastric tone and motility including VHL, NALCN, and PRKCZ. These data provide important new clues to canine GDV risk factors and facilitate generation of hypotheses regarding the genetic and molecular underpinnings this syndrome.
Article
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the most common mycotoxins in commercial dry dog food using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2, beauvericin (BEA), citrinin (CIT), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B1 (FB1) were included in this study. The results showed that all these analytes could be found in the samples. Furthermore, only one sample was found free of mycotoxins contamination. All other samples (96.9%) were contaminated by at least three different types of mycotoxins. Among these mycotoxins, DON, ZEN, AFB1, FB1, CIT and BEA exhibited relatively high incidence, with occurrence rates of 78.1%, 62.5%, 87.5%, 93.8%, 68.8 and 96.9%. Furthermore, it is worth noting that AFB1 concentration in all AFB1 positive samples exceeded the maximum limits set by the EU, with concentrations ranging from 30.3 µg/kg to 242.7 µg/kg.
Article
There is contradicting information in the veterinary literature regarding canine splenectomy and the increased risk for subsequent gastric dilatation-volvulus. The main purpose of this study was to determine the rate of occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus following splenectomy in medium to large breed dogs compared with a control group undergoing other abdominal procedures. Follow-up was performed by reviewing the medical records and conducting phone interviews. Weight, gender, and presence of a hemoabdomen at the time of surgery were not significantly associated with occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus, while increasing age was. Ten of 238 (4%) dogs in the splenectomy group and 3/209 (1.4%) dogs in the control group subsequently developed gastric dilatation-volvulus, which was not significantly different (P = 0.08). While the findings approach significance and support a need for future investigation, the current recommendation for gastropexy at time of splenic removal should be made on a case by case basis and while considering previously documented risk factors.
Article
OBJECTIVE To determine whether specific alleles of candidate genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and innate immune system were associated with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in Great Danes. ANIMALS 42 healthy Great Danes (control group) and 39 Great Danes with ≥ 1 GDV episode. PROCEDURES Variable regions of the 2 most polymorphic MHC genes ( DLA88 and DRB1 ) were amplified and sequenced from the dogs in each group. Similarly, regions of 3 genes associated with the innate immune system ( TLR5, NOD2 , and ATG16L1 ), which have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, were amplified and sequenced. Alleles were evaluated for associations with GDV, controlling for age and dog family. RESULTS Specific alleles of genes DLA88, DRB1 , and TLR5 were significantly associated with GDV. One allele of each gene had an OR > 2 in the unadjusted univariate analyses and retained a hazard ratio > 2 after controlling for temperament, age, and familial association in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The 3 GDV-associated alleles identified in this study may serve as diagnostic markers for identification of Great Danes at risk for GDV. Additional research is needed to determine whether other dog breeds have the same genetic associations. These findings also provided a new target for research into the etiology of, and potential treatments for, GDV in dogs.
Chapter
A gastropexy is a permanent adhesion between the gastric antrum and the adjacent right body wall. This procedure can be readily performed in a minimally invasive manner using a laparoscopic-assisted or total laparoscopic technique and has been shown to have advantages over the open techniques. Gastropexies are recommended in some common canine breeds to prevent the surgical emergency of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a syndrome characterized by a rapid accumulation of gas with or without food in the stomach, increased intragastric pressure and wall tension, and rotation of the stomach along its long axis. Evidence has supported minimally invasive gastropexy techniques to be safe and effective in preventing GDV.
Article
The gastric dilation-volvulus is a feared disease of large breeds of dogs. Immediate action is required. The chances of survival of the patient depend significantly on early identification of the disease and accurate treatment. Mortality is low (3 %) if only gastropexy has to be performed.
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The puppy was one-month-old and male when it was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya-Turkey. In this report, it was evaluated that the approaches of diagnosis and treatment of a case of gastric dilatation and chronic gastritis defined on the basis of clinical, laboratory, radiographic and endoscopic findings in an English Bulldog puppy. The presenting complaints were anorexia, dullness, abdominal distention, nausea, attempts to vomit and defecate, colic, constipation, praying position and neurologic seizures. Bilateral abdominal distention, colic and evidence of gastric pain were found on clinical examination of the dog. The owner informed that the dog had been feeding dry dog food for adult dog and overeating. Edema and thickness, increased mucus, hyperemia, mucosal fragility and sensitivity in the rugal folds of curvature major, petechiel bleeding, and bile retention together with mucosal degeneration were observed by the endoscopic examination in the puppy. Gastric dilatation and chronic gastritis were diagnosed on the basis of clinical, laboratory, radiologic and endoscopic findings and was treated. In conclusion, it was decided that the case could be a result of falsely feeding. We recommend the gastric decompression and lavage along with the use of sedative and fluid therapy in the treatment of the cases.
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OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION To describe techniques for reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with GDV. KEY CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC POINTS Having a first-degree relative with a history of GDV is significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV. Recommend that dogs with a first-degree relative that has had GDV not be used for breeding. You cannot differentiate GDV from gastric dilatation without volvulus simply because you are able to pass a stomach tube. Stomach tubes frequently can be passed in dogs with twisted stomachs. KEY ETIOLOGIC AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC POINTS Classically, GDV syndrome is an acute condition with a mortality rate of 20% to 45% in treated animals. The gastric enlargement is thought to be associated with a functional or mechanical gastric outflow obstruction. The initiating cause of the outflow obstruction is unknown; however, once the stomach dilates, normal physiologic means of removing air (i.e., eructation, vomiting, and pyloric emptying) are hindered because the esophageal and pyloric portals are obstructed. The stomach becomes enlarged as gas or fluid or both accumulate in the lumen. The gas probably comes from aerophagia, although bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates, diffusion from the bloodstream, and metabolic reactions may contribute. Normal gastric secretion and transudation of fluids into the gastric lumen secondary to venous congestion contribute to fluid accumulation. The cause of GDV is unknown, but exercise after ingestion of large meals of highly processed food or water has been suggested to contribute to it. Epidemiologic studies have not supported a causal relationship between feeding soy-based or cereal-based dry dog food and GDV. However, Irish setters fed a single feed type appear to have an increased risk of GDV compared to those fed a mixture of feed types. Likewise, adding table food or canned food to the diet of large and giant breed dogs is associated with a decreased incidence of GDV. A recent study suggested that dogs fed a larger volume of food per meal were at significantly increased risk of GDV, regardless of the number of meals fed daily (Raghavan et al, 2004). In the aforementioned study, the risk of GDV was highest for dogs fed a larger volume of food once daily. Feeding dry dog foods in which one of the first four ingredients are oils or fats may also increase the risk of GDV (Raghavan et al, 2006). Other contributing causes include an anatomic predisposition, ileus, trauma, primary gastric motility disorders, vomiting, and stress. Male gender, increasing age, being underweight, being fed a large volume of food per meal, eating one meal (especially a large volume meal) per day, eating rapidly, having a raised feeding bowel, and having a fearful temperament are predisposing factors that may significantly increase a dog's risk of GDV (Glickman et al, 2000; Raghavan et al, 2004). Having a deeper and narrower thorax may change the anatomic relationship between the stomach and esophagus such that the dog's ability to eructate is impaired. Feeding dogs from a raised feed bowl may increase the risk of GDV because it may promote aerophagia. Finally, military working dogs were found to be more likely to develop a GDV in November, December, and January, but the reasons for this were uncertain (Herbold et al, 2002). Generally, with GDV the stomach rotates in a clockwise direction when viewed from the surgeon's perspective (with the dog on its back and the clinician standing at the dog's side, facing cranially. The rotation may be 90 to 360 degrees but usually is 220 to 270 degrees. The duodenum and pylorus move ventrally and to the left of the midline and become displaced between the esophagus and stomach. The spleen usually is displaced to the right ventral side of the abdomen.
Article
Although veterinary practitioners know that nutrition can make a difference in the health and recovery from disease or illness in dogs and cats, they may feel poorly equipped to provide unbiased information on nutrition. This article provides information about evaluating and recommending diets and interpreting a pet food label to allow for comparisons among pet foods and discussion about how to do a nutritional assessment. It provides an example of how nutritional assessment and recommendation were successfully introduced into a busy private practice. Finally, some of the myths and misperceptions about nutrition are discussed with information provided from evidence-based research.
Article
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess solid phase gastric emptying via non-invasive 13C-sodium acetate breath test in large breed dogs with or without gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Material and methods: Dogs were recruited into one of the following groups: group 1 = healthy large breed dogs with no history of GDV, group 2 = dogs that underwent elective abdominal surgery for reasons unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract, and group 3 = dogs that underwent laparotomy and gastropexy to correct GDV. The dogs were fed a test meal containing 100 mg 13C-sodium acetate (for group 2 and 3, this was < 48 hours post-operatively). Breath samples were obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes for 3 hours, then every hour for a total of 7 hours. 12CO2/13CO2 ratio was measured for each breath sample via non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy and 25%, 50% and 75% gastric emptying times were calculated and compared between groups. Results: Gastric emptying times were significantly prolonged in dogs undergoing surgery (group 2) compared to group 1 and 3. Also, gastric emptying times of dogs with GDV were significantly prolonged compared to controls, but not to the same extent as dogs in group 2. Conclusion and clinical significance: There was a significant effect of abdominal surgery on gastric emptying times. Surprisingly, dogs after GDV surgery and gastropexy had shorter gastric emptying times than dogs undergoing laparotomy for reasons other than GDV, but still prolonged compared to healthy controls. The reason for these differences requires further study.
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Objective: To evaluate whether the presence of a gastric foreign body (gFB) is a significant risk factor for gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs and to quantify the change in likelihood of developing GDV associated with the presence of a gFB. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Animals: 118 large- or giant-breed dogs treated surgically for an episode of GDV and 342 large- or giant-breed dogs (> 12 months old) that underwent abdominal surgery for reasons other than GDV. Procedures: During exploratory celiotomy, all dogs underwent palpation and visual examination of the entire gastrointestinal tract. A foreign body was defined as nondigestible or slowly digestible material palpated during gastrointestinal tract examination that was causing clinical signs or was > 10 cm in length or > 2 cm in width. Results: The incidence of gFBs was significantly higher in the group of dogs with GDV. The presence of a gFB, age, weight, and purebred status were significant risk factors for GDV. Odds ratios were calculated for gFB (OR, 4.920), age (OR, 1.157), weight (OR, 0.958) and purebred status (OR, 4.836). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Gastric foreign body was found to be a significant risk factor for GDV in dogs. The study findings suggested that a large- or giant-breed dog with a gFB was approximately 5 times as likely to develop GDV as a similar dog with no gFB. Results indicated that there was a strong correlation between gFB and GDV in dogs. However, further cohort studies are needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the presence of a gFB and the development of GDV in dogs.
Article
Prophylactic gastropexy can substantially reduce the mortality associated with gastric dilatation-volvulus in certain breeds of dogs. When this surgery is performed using laparoscopic techniques, postoperative pain is decreased.
Article
Distinctive risk factors for disease are identifiable throughout life stages of large- and giant-breed dogs. From weaning to maturity, improper nutrition is linked to developmental skeletal diseases. As large dogs mature, skeletal diseases and obesity can lead to osteoarthritis. These dogs are difficult to manage when orthopedic or osteoarthritic disease affects mobility and quality of life, thereby increasing the risk of early death. Gastric dilatation and volvulus is another disease that is leading cause of death in large- and giant-breed dogs. Management of health, including proper nutrition, exercise, and weight control, provides the best opportunity for successful aging of large- and giant-breed dogs.
Article
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A case-control study was conducted to investigate whether age, gender, neuter status, type of food, feeding frequency, food intake time, interval between feeding and exercise, duration of exercise and overall physical activity were risk factors for gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) in the great dane. The sample population consisted of 38 great danes with acute GDV (cases) and 71 great danes owned by members of the Dutch Great Dane Association (controls). Information on the risk factors was collected by using clinical data in combination with a questionnaire, and the data were analysed by backward stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis. Dogs fed a diet containing particles of food > 30 mm in size (kibble and/or dinner and/or home-prepared food with large pieces of meat) had a lower risk of GDV than dogs fed a diet containing only particles < 30 mm in size (kibble or dinner and/or canned meat and/or home-prepared food cut into small pieces or ground in a food processor). Increasing age was also a risk factor for GDV. Gender, neuter status, feeding frequency, food intake time, the interval between feeding and exercise, the duration of exercise, and overall physical activity were not identified as risk factors. Feeding a diet including large pieces of meat may help to reduce the incidence of GDV in great danes.
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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). Design: Prospective cohort study. Animals: 1,914 dogs. Procedure: 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. Results and clinical relevance: 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.
Article
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Objective —To identify non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in large breed and giant breed dogs. Design —Prospective cohort study. Animals —1,637 dogs ≥ 6 months old of the following breeds: Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, and Weimaraner. Procedure —Owners of dogs that did not have a history of GDV were recruited at dog shows, and the dog's length and height and the depth and width of its thorax and abdomen were measured. Information concerning the dog's medical history, genetic background, personality, and diet was obtained from the 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, calculated on the basis of dogyears at risk for dogs that were or were not exposed to potential risk factors, was used to calculate the relative risk of GDV. Results and Clinical Relevance —Cumulative incidence of GDV during the study was 6% for large breed and giant breed dogs. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV were increasing age, having a first-degree relative with a history of GDV, having a faster speed of eating, and having a raised feeding bowl. Approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217:1492–1499)
Article
The Veterinary Medical Data Base was used to conduct an epidemiologic study of gastric dilatation and dilatation-volvulus ( gdv ) to describe changes over time in frequency of canine hospital admissions, to identify risk factors, and to estimate their relative importance. Cases in this case-control study included 1,934 dogs with gdv that were admitted to 12 participating veterinary hospitals from 1980 to 1989. The controls were 3,868 dogs with other diagnoses that were randomly selected from the same hospitals. Frequency of gdv per 1,000 canine hospital admissions ranged from 2.9 to 6.8. The case fatality rate was 28.6 and 33.3% for gastric dilatation alone and for gastric dilatation with volvulus, respectively. Using logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio ( or ) and its 95% confidence limits (95% cl ) for gdv associated with purebred vs mixed-breed dogs were 2.5 and 2.1, 3.0, respectively. The risk of gdv was associated with increasing age (Χ ² = 305.6, P < 0.0001) and increasing weight (Χ ² = 627.8, P < 0.0001). Significant association of gdv risk with sex or neuter status was not found. The 5 breeds having at least 10 cases and 8 controls and with the highest risk of gdv were Great Dane ( or , 10.0; 95% cl , 6.4, 15.6), Weimaraner ( or , 4.6; 95% cl , 2.3, 9.2), Saint Bernard ( or , 4.2; 95% cl , 2.3, 7.4), Gordon Setter ( or , 4.1; 95% cl , 1.8, 9.3), and Irish Setter ( or , 3.5; 95% cl , 2.4, 5.0). The effect of increasing body weight on gdv risk was less than that of increasing ideal adult breed weight, determined by published breed standards. There was considerable heterogeneity of gdv risk for individual breeds within ideal adult breed-weight groups. The overall pattern of risk was suggestive that, in addition to age, body weight, and neuter status, a dog's body (thoracic) conformation also was an important determinant of susceptibility to gdv .
Article
Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) is a disease which is identical in many species of animal, including man. This 6.5 yr study reports findings in 33 dogs and 14 monkeys with AGD. Necropsy revealed 4 morphologic variations: AGD; AGD with volvulus; AGD with rupture; and AGD with volvulus and rupture. A common underlying or predisposing disease was not uncovered by necropsy or histopathology. Field studies disclosed management factors related to AGD as well as successful methods of emergency treatment. Experimental engorgement of dogs failed to reproduce AGD; engorgement plus pharmacologic interference with cardial function, and gastric inoculation with fresh stomach contents were equally unsuccessful. Analyses of gastric gas from affected dogs and monkeys revealed 15.6% to 89.0% carbon dioxide; culture of gastric contents revealed increased numbers of Clostridium and Bacillus spp. Clostridia were the only gas producing bacteria recoverable in gastric contents of 14 of 15 cases. Following gastric ligation and inoculation with cultivated gastric contents from naturally occurring cases, 3 of 16 experimental dogs developed AGD. Acute gastric dilatation was concluded to be multifactorial in origin, occurring when the greedy eater, fermentative flora, readily fermentable substrate, and management errors or antecedent gastric disease interact. Volvulus was postulated to occur secondarily, as a result of reverse peristalsis against a closed cardia. Vertical shaking is described as a treatment of AGD with volvulus, and oral treatment with antibiotics and simethicone containing antacid preparations are advocated. Surgical correction of volvulus comprises counterclockwise rotation of the stomach. Preventive measures recommended include: feeding twice or 3 times daily; avoidance of exclusive diets of commercially prepared grain and soybean feeds; cognizance of prodromal signs and emergency treatment; and prophylactic use of antibiotics or bloat preventives. 217 references are cited.
Article
To test the hypothesis that breeds of dogs with a deeper and narrower thorax have an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), thoracie depth, width, and length were measured for 437 dogs of 17 different breeds using radiographs on file at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine for the period of 1977 to 1993. These data were applied to risk estimates of GDV that were generated from a separate case control study using the Veterinary Medical Data Base. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to relate the mean thoracie measurements and the ideal, adult body size of the breeds to the risk of each breed developing GDV. When the risk of GDV was evaluated as a function of the mean thoracie depth/width ratio alone, or as a function of the thoracie depth/width ratio plus ideal adult breed weight, 37% (p = 0.022), respectively, of the variability in GDV risk was explained. These findings support the hypothesis tested and suggest that selective breeding can be used to decrease a breed's risk of GDV over time.
Article
The logistic regression model is being used with increasing frequency in all areas of public health research. In the calendar year 1989, over 30% of the articles published in the American Journal of Public Health employed some form of logistic regression modeling. In spite of this increase, there has been no commensurate increase in the use of commonly available methods for assessing model adequacy. We review the current status of the use of logistic regression modeling in the American Journal of Public Health. We present a brief overview of currently available and easily used methods for assessing the adequacy of a fitted logistic regression model. An example is used to demonstrate the methods as well as a few of the adverse consequences of failing to assess the fit of the model. One important adverse consequence illustrated in the example is the inclusion of variables in the model as a result of the influence of one subject. Failure to address model adequacy may lead to misleading or incorrect inferences. Recommendations are made for the use of methods for assessing model adequacy and for future editorial policy in regard to the review of articles using logistic regression.
Article
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a dramatic and life-threatening disease of large-breed dogs. The cause is unknown, but ingestion of dry cereal-based food is frequently incriminated as a predisposing factor. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of commercial diets on gastric motility and emptying in the dog. Four large-breed dogs were fed 3 different diets (diet A = canned meat-based; B = cereal-based with 77% added water; and C = dry cereal-based) in a randomized block design. Each experiment was done in triplicate. Motility was assessed, using 5 AgAgCl electrodes and 2 strain gauges sutured along the serosa of the stomach and proximal duodenum. Dogs were fed at the same time each day and the time to change from the fed to the fasted pattern of gastrointestinal motility (changeover) was measured. Gastric emptying was assessed by recording gastric radioactivity. After feeding a meal mixed with 99mTc-labeled resin, the log of activity was plotted against time, and the half-time of gastric emptying (t1/2 GE) was calculated. Mean (+/- SEM) times from feeding to changeover for the 3 diets were: diet A, 9.7 +/- 0.9; B, 10.5 +/- 0.4; and C, 11.0 +/- 0.8 hours. Diet had minimal influence on the half time of gastric emptying (diet A, 2.2 +/- 0.3; B, 2.6 +/- 0.4; and C, 2.9 +/- 0.3 hours; P greater than 0.05). The data indicate that gastric motility and emptying in healthy large-breed dogs were not affected by dietary composition. Because most large dogs are fed cereal-based food for reasons of cost and ease of use, these diets may have been wrongly incriminated as a predisposing factor in gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Article
A study was conducted of 101 dogs (i.e., case dogs) that had acute episodes of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and 101 dogs (i.e., control dogs) with nonGDV-related problems. The control dogs were matched individually to case dogs by breed or size, and age. Predisposing factors that significantly (p less than 0.10) increased a dog's risk of GDV were male gender, being underweight, eating one meal daily, eating rapidly, and a fearful temperament. Predisposing factors that decreased the risk of GDV significantly were a "happy" temperament and inclusion of table foods in a usual diet consisting primarily of dry dog food. The only factor that appeared to precipitate an acute episode of GDV was stress.
Article
Questionnaires were used to obtain data about Irish setters with gastric dilatation (GD) and control Irish setters. The risk of GD increased with age (P < 0.01) but was not associated with gender. Age and gender-matched controls were compared with cases (n = 74). Predisposing risks were aerophagia (unadjusted odds ratio 12.44, P < 0.001), a single food type (adjusted odds ratio 3.15, P < 0.01) and feeding once daily (adjusted odds ratio 2.90, P < 0.02). Apparent risk from a dry food diet and a condition score of less than 2 was not confirmed by logistic regression. Precipitating risks were recent kennelling (unadjusted odds ratio 100, P < 0.005) or a car journey (unadjusted odds ratio 3.29, P < 0.025). No risk was attributed to intensity or duration of exercise, temperament, appetite, speed of eating, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Article
The physiology of the normal gastric defence mechanisms in the dog and cat is reviewed to emphasize the routes by which drugs can be used to protect the gastric mucosa. The action of the main anti-ulcer and pro-kinetic drugs are discussed in relation to the diseases that they may be used to treat. Gastric disease in the form of gastric dilatation/volvulus, chronic vomiting without obstruction and gastric outflow disease are described from the point of view of diagnosis and treatment.
Article
A nested case-control study was conducted among 1634 dogs with complete diet information in a 5-year prospective study to determine diet-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Cases included 106 dogs that developed GDV; controls included 212 dogs without GDV that were frequency matched to cases by year of GDV onset. Proportionate energy consumed from major food types and from carbohydrates was determined. Dogs were categorized as consuming either a low volume or high volume of food based on the median number of cups of food fed per kg of body weight per meal. Dogs fed a larger volume of food per meal were at a significantly (P<0.05) increased risk of GDV, regardless of the number of meals fed daily. For both large- and giant-breed dogs, the risk of GDV was highest for dogs fed a larger volume of food once daily.
Common questions about the nutrition of dogs and cats
  • D Kronfeld
Epidemiology of gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs
  • L T Glickman
Feed your collie right
  • K S Rugh
The Dry Dog Food Reference
  • H D Coffman
Coffman’s Comparative Reference Guide to Dog Food
  • H D Coffman
Gastrointestinal and exocrine pancreatic disease
  • D J Davenport
  • R L Remillard
  • K W Simpson
Making commercial pet foods
  • C S Cowell
  • N P Stout
  • M F Brinkmann
The digestive system: mechanism for nourishing the body
  • J L Groff
  • S S Gropper