A gastropexy is a surgical procedure designed to permanently adhere the stomach to the body wall that is sometimes performed in large breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. A gastropexy may be performed prophylactically (as a preventive measure in a healthy dog predisposed to this condition) or may be done as part of the surgical management of GDV ( Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) whereby the pyloric antrum is attached to the right body wall to prevent recurrence after the stomach has been returned to its normal position) and also for a condition called Hiatal Hernia (protrusions of the abdominal esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and sometimes a portion of the gastric fundus through the oesophageal hiatus into the caudal mediastinum cranial to the diaphragm) where the fundus of the stomach is attached to the left body wall.

Gastropexy Techniques

Numerous Gastropexy techniques have been described, namely:

1. Tube Gastropexy
2. Circumcostal Gastropexy
3. Incisional Gastropexy
4. Belt – Loop Gastropexy
5. Laparoscopic Gastropexy
6. Fundic Gastropexy

Although the strength and extent of adhesions created by these techniques differ, all of them prevent movement of the stomach.

How does Gastropexy prevent GDV

In a gastropexy, your veterinarian will surgically ‘tack’ the stomach to the right side of the body wall. This will hold the stomach into place, preventing it from making the twist that results in a GDV.

Gastropexies performed on an emergency basis, when a dog has already developed GDV, often require more involved post-operative care, depending on the severity of stomach damage noted during surgery. Most dogs will remain hospitalized for several days post-operatively, before being sent home for the remainder of their recovery period. In addition to the activity restriction required with a prophylactic gastropexy, your dog may require a prescription diet and/or medications to protect the gastrointestinal tract.

What is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) are life-threatening conditions that is most commonly observed in deep-chested, large-breed dogs (for further information on this condition. Commonly affected breeds include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Weimaraners and Irish Setters.

In GDV, the stomach becomes dilated with gas and/or fluid and also becomes twisted on itself, in such a manner that the gas/fluid cannot escape. This leads to rising pressure levels within the stomach, decreasing blood flow to the stomach tissues. In some cases, the spleen can also get twisted with the stomach, having its blood supply compromised as well. Disruptions in blood supply can lead to death (necrosis) of the gastrointestinal tract and spleen, while also having significant effects on blood pressure and overall health status. Without treatment, GDV is fatal.

Prevention of GDV Recurrence

There is a recurrence rate of 70 – 80 % if a Gastropexy is not performed.

Prophylactic Gastropexy

This is a gastropexy performed to prevent GDV. This surgery is often performed in high-risk young dogs, frequently at the time that they are spayed or neutered. Prophylactic gastropexy is most frequently recommended in Great Danes, though it may be considered in any high-risk breed including large deep chested breeds. It is estimated that 40% of Great Danes will develop GDV at some point during their lifespan, GSD -27%, Boxers -10%, prophylactic GDV significantly reduces this likelihood.

When is a Prophylactic Gastropexy performed?

Prophylactic gastropexies are often performed in association with spay or neuter surgery. In these cases, there is no specific post-operative care beyond that required for a routine spay or neuter. Patients should be kept calm for approximately 7 days post-operatively to allow healing. Running and jumping should be prevented during this time, and pets should avoid swimming or bathing so that the incision can be kept clean and dry. Your dog will likely be sent home with pain medications and it is important to use these medications as directed.

Recommendations for Clients to prevent GDV

• Feed several small meals a day rather than one large meal
• Avoid stress during feeding (if necessary separate dogs in a multiple – dog households during feeding
• Eating from a raised feed bowl 20% large dogs and 52 % giant breed dogs) increases risk of GDV
• Other dietary – related risks factors include faster speed of eating and dry food only diets
• Restrict exercise before and after meals
• For high – risk dogs consider prophylactic Gastropexy

References

1. Gastropexy by Catherine Barnette, DVM
2. Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery by Philip Anthony Moses
3. Surgery of the Alimentary Tract by Glenn Edwards (CVE)
4. Small Animal Surgery by Theresa Welch Fossum

One of the most common complaints by dog owners is their pet’s bad breath. Although bad breath may seem fairly harmless, it is typically a symptom of more severe dental disease occurring in your dog’s mouth.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs. Research has shown that 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by 3 years of age.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease in dogs is a progressive disease caused by bacteria in the mouth that damages the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth.

What are the signs your dog may have Periodontal Disease?

• Difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Pawing at the teeth or mouth
• Discharge from the nose
• Swelling under the eyes
• Bad breath
• Tooth discoloration or visible tartar
• Loose, missing teeth or broken teeth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Weight loss or loss of appetite

Just as in humans, dental disease causes considerable pain for dogs. However, dogs are excellent at hiding dental pain. Dogs may not show any signs of pain until very advanced stages of the disease, which can lead to the following:

The Covid-19 pandemic has blown the norm out of our lives. The catastrophe it has brought upon us has impacted our day-to-day routine in every possible way. But enough has been said about Covid-19. The talk of the town today is vaccination – from the types of vaccines available, the complications that arises from it, to the effectiveness and process in getting one. Anti-vaxxers and fence sitters aside, rest of Earth’s population appears to be on-board the vaccine bandwagon. If there is a silver lining here, it would be the fact that this pandemic episode has created awareness for vaccines in general. And, the importance of vaccines does not apply just to us human folks – it also applies to our beloved furry companions.

Veterinarians across the globe have long advocated the need for pets to be vaccinated. It has been a slow but positive progress and pet owners today are more dedicated towards their pet’s healthcare. Modern pet owners know that vaccination is part and parcel of raising a healthy pet.

Vaccination not only serves its primary role to create defensive antibodies for your pet, it has also become a requirement by some local authorities, boarding facilities, for traveling abroad, among others. In the long run, vaccinations will save you some Ringgit as well as it helps avoid costly treatment for preventable diseases. More importantly, just like us humans, vaccination has prevented deaths of millions of animals within the last century.  

Concerns of complications arising from vaccines for your pet is valid and more often than not, they are hardly life threatening. Tissue swelling around the injection area, mild fever, soreness, lethargy are the usual suspects if there are any complications. These conditions will probably wear off within a couple of days.

Below is a vaccination guide for your cats and dogs. If you wish to know more about vaccines or to start vaccinating your pet, kindly contact your local vet to guide you through the process.

Nothing seems to hinder an amputated dog. The enthusiasm displayed after a surgery proves their spirits are hard to be dampened. While dog owners may seem emotionally affected or disturbed by the need to amputate their pet due to some health concerns, it is done to save them or give them a more comfortable life. Although our hope is for dogs not to go through this ordeal, in the event they do, here are some tips to help a dog and its owner deal with the situation.

• Dogs are bound to be confused at first by the amputation and will naturally be afraid. To ensure your dog that they are going to be fine, it is best to act normal when you greet them. Do not display negative emotions in front of them.
• The days following the amputation is a challenging period. A dog would need to find its new centre of balance. The difficulties it would face include, trying to stand from a sitting position, adjusting its three legs during a sitting position, using its elbow to hold his head, or trying to get comfortable when lying down. It is recommended to consult a pet physiotherapist assist in strengthening balance in an amputated dog.
• Your dog may have lost its appetite to eat but it would need all the energy to recover well. This is your chance to spoil your dog so do prepare their favorite dishes or special treats. Drinking water frequently is also encouraged.
• For the first few days, it will be good to have a comfortable covering for your dog’s bed. This is to observe if there are any bleeding from the amputated area. There could be some infections developed post-surgery due to contamination of an exposed surgery site, however these are rare post-surgery complications that can be avoided with an appropriate dressing.
• Owners must understand that dogs easily adapt to situations and amputated dogs are no less the same. Dogs, most often than not, do not show any signs of distress after amputation but relief rather, due to the agony it was facing with the troubled limb.

Dogs are loyal, caring and affectionate. Giving them the right kind of love and being there for them during this initial period is more than enough to get them back on track to recovery and leaping with joy once again.