Plasma lactate concentration as a predictor of gastric necrosis and survival among dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: 102 cases (1995-1998)

Objective - To determine relationships between plasma lactate concentration and gastric necrosis and between plasma lactate concentration and outcome for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus. Design - Retrospective study. Animals - 102 dogs. Procedure - Information on signalment, history, plasma lactate concentratio n, medical and surgical treatment, cost of hospitalization, and outcome was retrieved from medical records. Results - 69 of 70 (99%) dogs with plasma lactate concentration < 6.0 mmol/ L survived, compared with 18 of 31 (58%) dogs with plasma lactate concentra tion > 6.0 mmol/L (1 dog euthanatized for economic reasons was not included ). Gastric necrosis was identified in 38 (37%) dogs. Median plasma lactate concentration in dogs with gastric necrosis (6.6 mmol/L) was significantly higher than concentration in dogs without gastric necrosis (3.3 mmol/L). Sp ecificity and sensitivity of using plasma lactate concentration (with a cut off of 6.0 mmol/L) to predict which dogs had gastric necrosis were 88 and 6 1%, respectively. Sixty-two of 63 (98%) dogs without gastric necrosis survi ved, compared with 25 of 38 (66%) dogs with gas trio necrosis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Preoperative plasma lactate concentrat ion was a good predictor of gastric necrosis and outcome for dogs with GDV. Preoperative measurement of plasma lactate concentration may assist in det ermining prognosis of dogs with GDV.