Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lidocaine use and death risks in dogs with twisted stomachs
By Buber, Tali et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of lidocaine treatment and risk factors for death associated with gastric dilatation and volvulus in dogs: 112 cases (1997-2005).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 112 dogs with a serious condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), which causes the stomach to bloat and twist, was studied to see how well they responded to a treatment with lidocaine. German Shepherds and Great Danes were more commonly affected, and dogs that were admitted more than five hours after showing symptoms had a much higher risk of death. While lidocaine did not seem to improve survival rates or reduce complications after surgery, dogs that received it stayed in the hospital longer. It's important for pet owners to seek immediate veterinary care if they notice signs of GDV, as timely treatment can be crucial.
People also search for: dog bloating treatment · GDV in German Shepherds · lidocaine for dog surgery · Great Dane stomach problems · dog emergency vet signs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features, outcome, risk factors for death, and efficacy of IV administration of lidocaine as a prophylactic treatment for ischemic reperfusion injury in gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 112 dogs with GDV. PROCEDURES: Data pertaining to breed; time lag to admission; clinical, clinicopathologic, and surgical findings; lidocaine treatment; and postoperative complications were assessed for association with outcome. RESULTS: German Shepherd Dogs (28.6%) and Great Danes (17%) were significantly over-represented. Risk factors for death included time lag (> or = 5 hours vs < 5 hours) from onset of clinical signs to admission (46.0% vs 11.3%), rectal temperature (< or = 38 degrees C vs > 38 degrees C [< 100.4 degrees F vs > 100.4 degrees F]) at admission (40.0% vs 14.9%), presence or absence of ARF (67.0% vs 23.3%), presence or absence of suspected gastric wall necrosis (59.3% vs 16.0%), and untreated gastric wall necrosis, compared with treated gastric wall necrosis (100% vs 47.6%). Overall mortality rate was 26.8%; no significant differences were detected in mortality rate or postoperative complications between dogs that received lidocaine IV prior to surgical intervention (52.0%) and dogs that did not (48.0%). Mean +/- SD hospitalization time was longer in the lidocaine treatment group (3.5 +/- 1.9 days vs 2.5 +/- 1.4 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Presence of the identified risk factors should warrant aggressive treatment. Lidocaine treatment was not associated with mortality rate or postoperative complications, but was associated with prolonged hospitalization time.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17472559/