Epidemiology of gastric dilation and gastric dilatation volvulus in New Zealand working farm dogs

Abstract

Gastric dilatation (GD) and gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) are acute life-threatening conditions in dogs. The incidence of GDV and GD in the New Zealand dog population is unknown. However, a recent study of working farm dogs in New Zealand found that 4% of the 1,024 visits, unrelated to trauma, were diagnosed as having a GDV diagnosed. A retrospective study was done, including a case-series and a case-control study to present information about GDV cases in New Zealand working farm dogs and identify potential risk factors. The case series conducted 62 hospitalized GD(V) case between August 2004 and September 2009 and the sample population of the case-control study consisted of 31 hospitalized working farm dogs with GD(V) and 62 hospitalized working farm dogs with trauma between April 2008 and April 2009. The case-series study showed that 64% of the cases that arrived at the veterinary practice returned to work. The case-control study showed that the risk factors for GD(V) were breed and age. The odds of disease in Huntaways were 19 times higher than in other breeds. Further prospective research is required to evaluating the role of feeding practices and exercise in the pathogenesis of GDV in NZ working farm dogs.