Gastric dilatation volvulus with concurrent peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a dog

Abstract

A seven-year-old male neutered labrador retriever presented for acute onset of retching, distended abdomen and suspicion of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Physical exam findings were consistent with GDV and included tachycardia and a distended abdomen. Preoperative abdominal radiographs were consistent with GDV, but found a lack of additional abdominal viscera. Radiographic views of the thorax revealed an incidental peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). The patient was immediately taken to surgery for derotation of the stomach, repair of the PPDH and gastropexy. The patient was anorexic postoperatively and remained hospitalised for four days on intravenous fluids, gastric protectants and analgesics, and was then discharged. At 10-month follow-up, the patient was doing well.