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Our Great Dane has had several episodes of attempted vomiting but never seems to bloat. Our veterinarian suggested a prophylactic surgery which would prevent him from bloating. Is this an appropriate idea?

—Sandra Bryant
Bangor, ME

Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome frequently affects large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Mastiffs, and Great Danes. Several etiologies are suspected, but the end result is that the inflow and outflow of the stomach becomes closed, gas dilates the inside of the stomach, and a twist in its longitudinal axis occurs so that gas, fluid, and contents are trapped in a distended, painful organ.

The stomach distension is not the biggest problem that occurs, however. Secondary to the distension, the blood vessels and mesentery (tissue that suspends the stomach) become twisted, often dragging other organs such as the spleen, pancreas, and intestine along with the already damaged stomach. The vessels become engorged, and blood return to the heart and lungs is impaired. The resultant shock from the damaged blood vessels and lack of blood flow can actually kill the animal unless proper medical attention is given immediately.

Surgery is often the only treatment for a true volvulus. Several different surgeries are suggested to prevent the stomach from retwisting once the original twist is untwisted. In these surgeries, the stomach is attached to the body wall in an attempt to adhere it in the right place. This precludes the untimely torsion (twist) and prevents the life threatening shock that occurs following the twist. In certain breeds predisposed to this syndrome (like your Great Dane), veterinarians suggest this prophylactic surgery at time of spay and neuter. However, regrettably, as we are finding out from long term follow up studies of dogs with prior GDVs, the surgery may often simply lessen the severity of the second torsion or twist rather than prevent another episode.

Are there certain factors that make a horse more prone to navicular disease?

—Joyce Hunt
San Juan, PR

Navicular disease is a degenerative process gone awry in a small boat shaped bone at the back of the foot. The bone acts as a fulcrum, keeping the flexor tendon's attachment to the coffin bone at a constant angle. It is the "fall guy" for any abnormalities in the most distant part of the horse's body. But the progressive demands of exercise and training on the bone cause it to strengthen itself by a succession of destruction and reconstruction. The degenerative process takes over when local bone loss exceeds replacement for long enough to tear through the whole architecture of the bone. As a result, the body tries to heal the bone, bringing new blood vessels and nutritive products to it. Unfortunately, the healing tissues increase swelling and blood pressure in the foot, and in the long run circulation is decreased. Pain and lameness ensue, and the rest of the foot is in a constant threat of total breakdown.

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