Comparison of the recurrence rate of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus in dogs after circumcostal gastropexy versus gastrocolopexy

Objective-To compare the recurrence rate of acute gastric dilatation with o r without volvulus (GDV) after circumcostal gastropexy (CCGP) or gastrocolo pexy (GCP) in dogs. Study Design-A prospective, double-blind, multicenter, randomized, controll ed, clinical trial with two groups (A and B). Animals-Fifty-four client-owned dogs presented for treatment of GDV. Methods-Dogs with acute GDV that had not previously had a gastropexy perfor med were included. The preoperative treatment before gastropexy was standar dized. A CCGP was performed on dogs in group A, and a GCP was performed on dogs in group B. Postoperative treatment was standardized, but deviation di d occur according to the special needs of particular patients. A minimal fo llow-up time of 180 days was required for dogs not excluded from the study. The median follow-up time in group A was 700 days; in group B, it was 400 days. The occurrence of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal problems after surgery were recorded by the owners. Results-There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of GDV b etween the two groups. At the end of the study, the recurrence rate was 9% and 20% in group A and in group B. respectively. Conclusions-Both surgical techniques are effective in preventing recurrence of GDV. (C) Copyright 2001 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.