Laparoscopic repositioning of chronic gastric volvulus in a dog

Authors

  • Frans G van Heerden University of Pretoria
  • Marthinus J Hartman University of Pretoria
  • Vanessa McClure University of Pretoria
  • Robert M Kirberger University of Pretoria

Abstract

A 12-year-old spayed Newfoundland bitch was presented with chronic non-productive vomiting, regurgitation and coughing of six weeks’ duration. On clinical examination, the dog was depressed with no other significant findings. Haematology and biochemistry investigations detected no abnormalities. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs revealed a megaoesophagus and an abnormally positioned pylorus. A thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed the abnormal position of the stomach, together with moderate aspiration pneumonia. Laparoscopic examination of the peritoneal cavity revealed the greater omentum wrapped over the stomach, with a fold visualised between the abnormally positioned pyloric antrum and the gastric corpus. A 180-degree clockwise gastric rotation was laparoscopically diagnosed and corrected. The normal position of the
stomach was confirmed before a laparoscopic-assisted incisional gastropexy was performed. Post-operatively the vomiting and regurgitation resolved and the patient was discharged. Twenty-four hours after discharge, the dog was presented with deteriorating clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia. The owner declined treatment, additional diagnostics as well as a necropsy and requested euthanasia. Chronic gastric volvulus should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in dogs with non-specific, chronic gastrointestinal signs. Radiography, computed tomography and laparoscopy are valuable diagnostic aids in making this diagnosis. Chronic gastric volvulus can be successfully reduced laparoscopically as reported here for the first time.

Author Biographies

  • Frans G van Heerden, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Marthinus J Hartman, University of Pretoria

    Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Vanessa McClure, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Robert M Kirberger, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Downloads

Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Section

Case Report