Topical ReviewInherited and Predisposing Factors in the Development of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in Dogs
Section snippets
Breed and Sex Differences
Several studies have documented breed predilection for developing GDV in dogs. A compilation of published articles and breed health surveys lists 46 breeds susceptible to the condition (Table 1).1 All of these are large and giant-sized, deep-chested dog breeds.
Most of the published literature on GDV in dogs is studies reporting various characteristics of dogs presenting to emergency centers for treatment of GDV. Although these do not enable prevalence figures, they do list the most common
Inherited Physical Factors
Within each breed, there are significant differences found between dogs that present with GDV and within breed controls. Studies show that increased body weight in general increases the risk for GDV, but this is not associated with body condition score.9 A lean body condition was associated with an increased risk of developing GDV.15, 17 The most significant finding in the relationship of body conformation to GDV is an increased incidence with increasing thoracic-depth-to-width ratio.9, 18, 19
Non–Diet-Related Environmental Factors
Studies show the relationship of environmental stress to the development of GDV. A study showed recent kenneling or a car journey to predispose to a GDV episode.21 Other studies showed that stress in general, including agitation in response to strangers or environmental changes were related to episodes of GDV.10, 15
Several studies have linked atmospheric variables to increased episodes of GDV. A study in military dogs in Texas showed a positive association of increased atmospheric pressure on
Diet-Related Factors
A Danish study showed that smaller food size particles increased the risk for GDV in Great Danes.16 In a large study of dietary components, the only factor found to be significantly associated with GDV was dry foods containing an oil or fat among the first 4 ingredients. It was cited that fat slows gastric emptying into the duodenum.26 Studies also show that feeding a single food type, especially dry food, increased the risk for GDV. Adding table food, fish, or eggs may decrease the risk.12, 15
Putting it All Together
It is obvious that inherited factors are at play in the pathogenesis of GDV. Many of these relate to the large body size and deep-chested structure of the predisposed breeds. This provides a large abdominal body cavity for a stomach heavily laden with food to stretch the hepatogastric ligament,28 allowing for increase motion and volvulus of the stomach. Predisposing pathology of the hepatogastric ligament may also promote stretching. The fact that risk for GDV increases with increasing age may
Acknowledgment
The author would like to acknowledge the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Bloat Initiative for supporting current and future research in this area.
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Cited by (19)
Cardiovascular and Systemic Effects of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs
2014, Topics in Companion Animal MedicineCitation Excerpt :The pathogenesis of GDV is complex and multifactorial, with apparent genetic and environmental influences. The first article in this special issue discusses the genetic predispositions to GDV in dogs,3 whereas the second article discusses the role of GI motility disturbances in the development of GDV.4 It is unknown whether dilatation or volvulus occurs first in dogs with GDV, but either is possible as dilatation in the absence of volvulus and volvulus in the absence of dilatation are both reported.
Fatal gastric dilatation and volvulus in three captive juvenile linnaeus's two-Toed sloths (choloepus didactylus)
2023, Journal of Zoo and Wildlife MedicineProtein C activity in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus
2022, Acta Veterinaria Brno