Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Food engorgement in 35 dogs compared to gastric dilation and volvulus
By Smart, Lisa et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2017·School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Food engorgement in 35 dogs (2009-2013) compared with 36 dogs with gastric dilation and volvulus.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 35 dogs with food engorgement (eating too much food too quickly) showed symptoms like rapid heart rate and breathing, and some had changes in their blood chemistry. They were treated with fluids and pain relief, and all of them recovered well and were sent home. While their stomachs were sometimes as swollen as dogs with a more serious condition called gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), the dogs with food engorgement did not have the same severe complications. With proper care, these dogs had a good outcome.
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Abstract
The clinical features and management of food engorgement (FE) in dogs have not been previously described. This retrospective observational study describes characteristics and outcome of 35 dogs with FE, and compares features on presentation to 36 dogs with gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). Cases were retrospectively reviewed for history, clinical findings and outcome. Gastric distension was measured by caudal gastric margin (CGM), level with lumbar vertebrae, on a lateral abdominal radiograph. Frequent characteristics of dogs with FE included tachycardia, tachypnoea, hyperproteinaemia, increased base excess (BE), mild hypernatraemia and hyperlactataemia. There was overlap in CGM between dogs with GDV (CGM range L3 to >L6) and dogs with FE (CGM range <L2 to L5-L6). In contrast to dogs with GDV, lactate concentration in dogs with FE was not associated with CGM or BE. Dogs with FE mostly received medical intervention consisting of fluid therapy and analgesia, and all dogs survived to discharge. In conclusion, dogs with FE frequently presented with acid-base and electrolyte derangements, including hyperlactataemia. While dogs with FE can have gastric distension as severe as that seen with GDV, outcome with supportive care only is excellent.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29051308/