CHF Grant 01937-B: Evaluating the Complex Genetic Basis of Bloat
Publication: Sharp, CR, Rozanski, EA, Finn, E, Borrego, EJ. The pattern of mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2020; 30: 232– 238.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12932
What can we learn?
The goal of this study was to describe in-hospital mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat) with a focus on pre-operative death. The records of 498 dogs (representing more than 50 different breeds and mixed breeds) from the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine from 2001 – 2011 were examined.
Five outcome groups were created (percentages represent portion of total dogs):
| Survivors | Survived to discharge | 64% |
| Non-survivors | Euthanized pre-operatively | 23% |
| Euthanized intra-operatively | 4% | |
| Euthanized post-operatively | 3% | |
| Natural death | 6% |
Conclusion: Pre-operative euthanasia with no intent to treat accounts for the majority of mortality associated with GDV in this population. Even though treatment leads to more than 80% survival, focusing efforts on disease prevention will save more lives.