Factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus: 137 cases (1988-1993)
Brourman, J.D.; Schertel, E.R.; Allen, D.A.; Birchard, S.J.; DeHoff, W.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 208(11): 1855-1858
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8675474 Document Number: 456058
Medical records of 137 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus were used to evaluate factors associated with perioperative mortality and to determine the influence of treatment differences between university and private specialist practices on outcome. Signalment; frequency of treatments before and after operations and complications; intraoperative findings; surgical technique, and haematological, serum biochemical and electrocardiographic results were recorded, evaluated for association with mortality and compared between institutions. Mortality did not differ between institutions and overall mortality was 18% (24/137). Surgical techniques differed between institutions, but were not associated with mortality. Gastric necrosis was associated with significantly higher mortality (46%; 13/28). When partial gastrectomy or splenectomy was performed, mortality (35 and 32% or 8/23 and 10/31, respectively) was significantly increased. Splenectomy was performed in 11 of 23 dogs requiring partial gastrectomy and when both procedures were performed, mortality (55%; 6/11) was significantly increased. Cardiac arrhythmias before operations were associated with significantly higher mortality (38%; 6/16). Mortality in dogs >10 years old was not significantly greater than that in younger dogs. It was concluded that patient management, differences between practices did not seem to influence survival in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus. Signalment, including age, did not influence mortality. Gastric necrosis, gastric resection, splenectomy, and preoperative cardiac arrhythmias were associated with mortality.