Laparoscopic gastropexy

Rossland animal hospital is pleased to be one of the few hospitals in the Oshawa and Whitby areas that offer laparoscopic gastropexy.

What is a gastropexy?
A gastropexy is a surgical procedure performed in order to prevent Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), commonly called torsion or bloat.  GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach flips or twists, trapping air and gases in the stomach.

Circulation to the spleen and stomach are cut off, causing the dog to go into shock and, if untreated, die. A gastropexy procedure attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall, so that it is unable to twist.

Who will benefit from a gastropexy?
It is now common practice to perform what is called a preventive gastropexy.  This does not keep the stomach from bloating (filling up with gas and air) but it will prevent the stomach from twisting and cutting off circulation, thereby avoiding a life- threatening situation. 

There are certain breeds for GDV. Generally, they are the giant breed or deep chested dogs. Some of the most common breeds affected are Great Danes, German Shepherds, Akitas, Setters, Weimaraners, Bouviers and Standard Poodles.

This preventive surgery can be performed anytime from 6 months of age and on onwards. It can also be combined with other procedures, such as spaying or neutering.

What is a laparoscopic gastropexy?
Laparoscopic gastropexy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to perform a gastropexy through much smaller incisions than the traditional approach. 

A camera is inserted into the abdomen and then special equipment is used to grasp the stomach and attach it to the body wall.  In general, the procedure is associated with less pain and a quicker recovery than the traditional approach. 

If you have any further questions about this procedure or want to know if your pet is a good candidate for it, please call our hospital to make an appointment to discuss it with one of our veterinarians.