Surgical correction of gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in dogs: efficacy and impact of preventive gastropexies

Abstract

The aim of this article was to carry out a literature review on gastric dilatation-volvulus (DVG) syndrome in dogs, with an emphasis on preventive gastropexy strategies and their implications for the management and prognosis of the disease. The search was based on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, using the terms “gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs”, “preventive gastropexy”, “postoperative complications” and “gastropexy techniques”. Priority was given to papers published between 2011 and 2023, as well as classic publications considered fundamental to understanding the condition of this syndrome. From the review, it can be said that GVD is an emergency characterized by gastric distension and rotation of the stomach, and is more common in large-breed dogs with deep chests. Incisional gastropexy and the belt loop technique are the most widely used approaches for prevention and treatment, due to their proven effectiveness in reducing recurrence rates. The studies also showed that preventive gastropexy performed during elective surgery in predisposed dogs is effective, with post-operative complications of less than 5%. And although conventional gastropexy is widely used, laparoscopic techniques have been promising because they are less invasive and recovery is quicker. However, the high cost and limited availability of equipment limit their application. Therefore, it can be concluded that gastropexy, especially preventive gastropexy, is an essential tool for reducing the incidence and recurrence of GVHD, as well as raising the awareness of owners which contributes to more effective management of the condition and that advances in minimally invasive techniques have been paramount for the health of animals.