Pros and Cons of Gastropexy

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a potentially fatal illness in dogs in which the stomach swells (dilates) and twists, resulting in detrimental effects. GDV is most prevalent in giant and large breed dogs, although those with a deep chest are also more susceptible. Great Danes, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, and standard poodles are among the breeds that are predisposed to this illness.

An abdominal gastropexy is a surgical technique in which the stomach is attached to the body wall. Gastropexy can be done by a variety of methods, including significant surgical incisions (laparotomy) and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approaches. When performed as a prophylactic procedure, gastropexy reduces the incidence of a GDV by 80 percent or more and carries minimal risk.

Gastropexy can be accomplished on healthy dogs to assist avoid gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV); a disease in which the stomach distends with gas and revolves in the abdomen. During emergency surgery for dogs that have GDV, a procedure called gastropexy is done after the stomach is repositioned so that it doesn't happen again.

Gastropexy avoids stomach rotation or torsion, however, it is ineffective in preventing bloat or dilatation, which may still necessitate veterinary treatment. 

Following surgery, you should restrict your dog's activity for 14 days. They are permitted to go outdoors on a leash to use the restroom and to take brief leash walks. Avoid running, leaping, and playing with any housemates. These activities will put stress on the incision site, perhaps resulting in problems.

You should keep an eye on your dog to make sure he doesn't lick the incision site. To keep your dog from licking the incision, an e-collar must be utilized at all times. Also, make sure that none of your housemates lick your dog's incision site; otherwise, keep the pets apart.

All dogs' food should be divided into at least two meals per day, according to our recommendations. Even after a gastropexy, feeding a large, single meal puts your dog at risk for bloat. Bloating can be avoided by eating two or smaller meals. Furthermore, two or smaller meals each day will manage your dog's metabolism better than a single large meal.

Pros of Gastropexy

• Gastropexy is a highly successful and well-tolerated method of preventing GDV. At-risk breeds, such as large, deep-chested dogs, can benefit from prophylactic gastropexy to prevent the development of GDV, which can be life-threatening.
• Following gastropexy, the risk of developing GDV is considerably reduced, with rates of incidence following gastropexy varying from zero percent to 4.3 percent, regardless of the surgical approach used to perform the procedure.
• Because preventative gastropexy is usually performed as part of routine treatment, such as a spay or neuter, the recovery time is not any longer than a regular recovery time.
• Generally, most dogs are able to resume normal activity after seven to ten days of recuperation.

Cons of Gastropexy

• Although there have not been many reports of health problems from preventative gastropexy, however,  those who have had emergency gastropexy have reported nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and inappetence as well as a tender stomach, depending on how much of the stomach was compromised during the torsion.
• The stomach may twist in some situations if the surgery is not done correctly or if it fails to hold.
• Even after a gastropexy, a dog can still get bloated.
• The stomach of a dog can still become bloated as a result of air or food entering it, but as long as the tacking is in place, the stomach will not twist.