Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Two female Persian cats with stomach twisting and breathing trouble
By Leary, Meredith L & Sinnott-Stutzman, Virginia·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2018·Department of Emergency and Critical Care·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Spontaneous gastric dilatation-volvulus in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two neutered female Persian cats were brought to the vet for trouble breathing and had swollen, painful bellies. X-rays showed that one cat had a gas-filled stomach, which led to a diagnosis of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a serious condition where the stomach twists. Both cats underwent surgery to correct the problem and were able to go home after treatment. This case highlights that GDV can occur in cats, even without trauma, and should be considered when cats show signs of respiratory distress and a distended abdomen.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · Persian cat stomach swelling · GDV treatment in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe 2 cases of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in cats. To describe 2 unique clinical settings in which the disease occurs in cats, and to highlight the differences between GDV in cats and dogs. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two neutered female Persian cats were presented for evaluation of respiratory distress. Initial physical examination revealed tachypnea, dyspnea, and a markedly distended and painful abdomen in both cats. Radiographs revealed a gas-dilated stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract in both cats but were only diagnostic for GDV in 1 case. Gastric dilatation-volvulus was confirmed during exploratory laparotomy and gastropexy was performed in each case. Both cats were successfully discharged from the hospital. NEW AND UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Gastric dilatation-volvulus in cats is a rare event and appears to occur in 2 clinical settings: in combination with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (as previously reported) and without a history of trauma or diaphragmatic hernia, as in the 2 cases reported here. Clinicians should consider GDV in the list of differentials for cats with respiratory distress and abdominal distension, even if classic radiographic findings are not present.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29906334/