Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England (VESCONE), a state-of-the-
Endoscopic gastropexy is the surgical attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent GDV, or bloat, in large, deep-chested dogs. GDV is a common life-threatening condition in large breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolf Hounds, German Shepherds and Blood Hounds. The condition occurs when the stomach distends as a result of expanding gas, twisting it into an abnormal position, cutting of its own blood supply and depriving tissue of blood and oxygen. Ultimately, if not treated immediately, the dog will go into shock, collapse and ultimately die. There is no definitive cause as to why GDV occurs.
The benefits of endoscopic gastropexy over the traditional surgical technique are that it is minimally invasive, takes shorter surgical and anesthesia time, with less pain and a quicker recovery period. Patients can typically go home the same day as the procedure. The procedure is done using general anesthesia and two small abdominal incisions.
GDV is treatable without surgery if diagnosed early. Symptoms of GDV include distended or bloated abdomen, excess salivating and nonproductive retching. There is chance of recurrence after treatment especially in dogs that have not undergone gastropexy surgery. As many as 80% of dogs that do not have surgery suffer recurrences compared to 3-5% of dogs that undergo gastropexies. The endoscopic gastropexy technique offered at VESCONE reduces the risk of GDV of occurring by 100%
VESCONEs surgical team headed by Dr. Mary Ann Nieves and Dr. Steven Fish are available Monday through Friday for appointments. Emergencies are seen 24 hours a day. 010509
