MULTIPLE RISK-FACTORS FOR THE GASTRIC DILATATION-VOLVULUS SYNDROME INDOGS - A PRACTITIONER OWNER CASE-CONTROL STUDY/

A study was conducted of 101 dogs (i.e., case dogs) that had acute epi sodes of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and 101 dogs (i.e., control dogs) with nonGDV-related problems. The control dogs were matched ind ividually 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 w ere male gender, being underweight, eating one meal daily, eating rapi dly, and a fearful temperament. Predisposing factors that decreased th e 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 w as stress.