Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
X-ray signs of 360-degree stomach twisting in dogs
By Mur, Pablo Espinosa et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2025·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Radiographic findings in dogs with 360 degrees gastric dilatation and volvulus.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old dog was brought in with severe bloating and signs of distress, which were diagnosed as a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). The vet used X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, but the images were not very reliable, with only about half of the cases being correctly identified. The study highlighted that while some specific features could help differentiate between GDV and other stomach issues, misdiagnosis can occur. Immediate treatment is crucial for GDV, and the dog would need urgent surgery to correct the condition.
People also search for: dog bloating treatment · gastric dilatation volvulus symptoms · dog stomach surgery recovery
Abstract
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent intervention. Radiographic features associated with 360-GDV in dogs have not been investigated. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to describe radiographic features and clinical variables in dogs affected with 360-GDV and to report agreement rates between different radiologists. We also report the sensitivity and specificity of radiographs to diagnose 360-GDV in dogs. Confirmed 360-GDV cases were retrieved, and the radiographic findings were compared with dogs presenting with gastric dilatation (GD) and 180-GDV. Images were reviewed and graded by three blinded board-certified radiologists. A total of 16 dogs with confirmed 360-GDV were identified. The median age was 10 years old (2-13 years). The sensitivity for detection of 360-GDV ranged between 43.7% and 50%, and the specificity between 84.6% and 92.1%. Interobserver agreement on final diagnosis was substantial (Kappa = 0.623; 0.487-0.760, 95% CI). The highest agreement rate was in cases of 180-GDV (87%), followed by the GD cases (72%) and 360-GDV (46%). Severe esophageal distension and absence of small intestinal dilation were the only radiographic features specifically associated with 360-GDV. A similar pyloric position was found between GD and 360-GDV. Additional radiographic variables that could help differentiate GD from 360-GDV include the degree of gastric distension and the peritoneal serosal contrast. Two cases with 360-GDV were misdiagnosed by the three radiologists as GD. In conclusion, radiographically, 360-GDV cases can reassemble GD and vice versa. Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of the low sensitivity of radiographs for the detection of 360-GDV.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39388661/