Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk of stomach twisting after spleen removal in 238 dogs
By Maki, Lynn C et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2017·Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Incidence of gastric dilatation-volvulus following a splenectomy in 238 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 238 dogs that had their spleens removed (splenectomy) to see if they were more likely to develop a serious stomach condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can cause the stomach to twist. Out of these dogs, 4% developed GDV compared to 1.4% of dogs that had other types of abdominal surgery. Although the difference wasn't significant, older dogs seemed to be at a higher risk. The researchers suggest that the decision to perform a preventive surgery (gastropexy) during a splenectomy should be made individually, taking into account the dog's specific risk factors.
People also search for: dog splenectomy risks · gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs · older dog stomach problems
Abstract
There is contradicting information in the veterinary literature regarding canine splenectomy and the increased risk for subsequent gastric dilatation-volvulus. The main purpose of this study was to determine the rate of occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus following splenectomy in medium to large breed dogs compared with a control group undergoing other abdominal procedures. Follow-up was performed by reviewing the medical records and conducting phone interviews. Weight, gender, and presence of a hemoabdomen at the time of surgery were not significantly associated with occurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus, while increasing age was. Ten of 238 (4%) dogs in the splenectomy group and 3/209 (1.4%) dogs in the control group subsequently developed gastric dilatation-volvulus, which was not significantly different (= 0.08). While the findings approach significance and support a need for future investigation, the current recommendation for gastropexy at time of splenic removal should be made on a case by case basis and while considering previously documented risk factors.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29203936/