Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for stomach twisting in dogs from an online survey
By Pipan, Marko et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2012·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An Internet-based survey of risk factors for surgical gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of over 2,500 dogs found that certain factors can increase the risk of a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can cause a dog's stomach to twist. Dogs that are fed dry kibble, have anxiety, or are intact females seem to be at higher risk. On the other hand, dogs that play with others, get regular exercise, and have a balanced diet with fish or egg supplements may be less likely to develop GDV. If you have a dog that fits these risk factors, consider discussing their diet and activity levels with your veterinarian to help reduce the risk.
People also search for: dog GDV risk factors · dog diet kibble vs supplements · how to prevent GDV in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in a large number of privately owned dogs across a wide geographic area. DESIGN: Internet-based, cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 2,551 privately owned dogs. PROCEDURES: A questionnaire addressed dog-specific, management, environmental, and personality-associated risk factors for GDV in dogs. Respondents were recruited through the posting of the electronic link to the questionnaire on websites for dog owners; the information was also disseminated at meetings of dog owners and via newsletters, e-mail lists for dog owners and breeders, owner-oriented dog publications, and e-mails forwarded by participants. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV were being fed dry kibble, anxiety, residence in the United Kingdom, being born in the 1990s, being a family pet, and spending at least 5 hours a day with the owner. Factors associated with a decreased risk of GDV were playing with other dogs and running the fence after meals, fish and egg dietary supplements, and spending equal time indoors and outdoors. A significant interaction between sex and neuter status was observed, with sexually intact females having the highest risk for GDV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with a high risk of GDV, regular moderate daily and postprandial activity appeared to be beneficial. Feeding only commercial dry dog food may not be the best choice for dogs at risk; however, supplements with fish or eggs may reduced this risk. The effect of neuter status on GDV risk requires further characterization.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22657929/