Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thorax shape and genetics raise bloat risk in Irish setters
By Schellenberg, D et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1998·Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Influence of thoracic conformation and genetics on the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus in Irish setters.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study of 155 Irish setters found that older dogs and those with deeper chests are at a higher risk for a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can cause the stomach to twist and bloat. Specifically, the risk of GDV increased by 33% for each year of age, and dogs with deeper thoraxes were significantly more likely to experience this issue. Additionally, having a family history of GDV, especially if a parent had it, also raised the risk. Pet owners should be aware of these factors and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian, especially for older Irish setters or those with a family history of GDV.
People also search for: Irish setter GDV risk · dog bloat symptoms · gastric dilatation-volvulus prevention · older dog stomach problems · deep-chested dog health issues
Abstract
Body measurements, history of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and other data were obtained for 155 Irish setters at the 1994 National Specialty Show. The dogs ranged in age from 6.5 months to 12.4 years (mean+/-standard deviation [SD], 3.6+/-2.6 years); 11 (7%) of the dogs had histories of GDV. Gastric dilatation-volvulus risk increased 33% for each year of age (p of 0.01). Dogs with the deepest thorax relative to width (ratio range, 1.61 to 1.85) had a significantly greater GDV risk than those with the shallowest thorax (ratio range, 1.20 to 1.50); the odds ratio was 8.45; the 95% confidence limits were 1.44 to 49.57; and the p value equaled 0.02. Having a relative (particularly a parent) with GDV also increased GDV risk. Five-generation pedigrees yielded a significantly higher mean coefficient of relationship for the 11 dogs with GDV than for the 11 dogs without GDV.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9527432/