Incidence and Breed-Related Risk Factors for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs:  The Purdue University Five Year Prospective Study Larry Glickman, VMD, PhD Purdue University

Summary:

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a syndrome of dogs characterized by a rapid accumulation of air in the stomach, malposition of the stomach, increased intragastric pressure, and often shock. Despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, fifteen to 25 percent of affected dogs die. Particularly among the large and giant breeds, GDV is a leading cause of death.

We conducted a five-year prospective study of nearly 2000 show dogs to determine the incidence of GDV and to identify breed and individual dog-related risk factors. Included were the following breeds: Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, and Weimaraner. The dogs were measured at AKC shows and their owners completed a detailed questionnaire concerning their dog's medical history, genetic background, husbandry and feeding practices, personality, and diet. After five years of telephone follow-up, the incidence of GDV was calculated for each dog breed. Risk factors for GDV were identified by comparing the body measurements and questionnaire responses between dogs that developed GDV with those that did not.

The incidence of GDV for the seven large (23-45kg) and four giant (greater than 45kg) dog breeds was 23 versus 26 per 1000 dog years at risk, respectively (P=0.49). Of the 105 dogs that developed GDV, 30 (28.6 percent) died. The incidence of GDV increased with increasing age. The cumulative incidence of GDV was 5.7 percent overall, but was higher for the Great Dane (15.7 percent) and Bloodhound (8.7 percent) breeds. The only breed-related characteristic significantly (P<0.05) associated with a decreased risk of GDV was a higher score for being happy as reported by the owners. Non-dietary risk factors associated with an increased risk of GDV in individual dogs included having a larger abdomen depth/width ratio, being underweight, and having a sibling or offspring with a history of GDV. Additional potential risk factors for GDV including those related to diet are currently being explored. These findings should enable veterinarians and owners to develop more effective prevention programs for GDV.

Dr. Glickman's work has been funded by the following grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, as well as Morris Animal Foundation, and by the eleven breed clubs included in the study (Akita Club of America, American Bloodhound Club, American Rottweiler Club, Collie Club of America Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America, Irish Wolfhound Club of America, New-Pen-Del Newfoundland Club and the Weimaraner Club of America):

No. 1252: Prospective Study of Morphometric, Genetic and Dietary Risk Factors for Bloat

Biographical Profile

Dr. Larry Glickman, VMD, PhD, is a veterinarian with a graduate degree in

epidemiology and public health. After graduation from veterinary school, he was in a companion animal veterinary practice in Pennsylvania before beginning a career in teaching and research. He has held faculty appointments at the Cornell, Pennsylvania, and Purdue schools of veterinary medicine. Dr. Glickman has been a pioneer in the application of epidemiologic methods to the study of pet dogs. The following are some of his accomplishments:

1. First to demonstrate that certain. dog breeds are more susceptible to parvovirus infection; developed effective vaccination protocols for parvovirus and kennel cough

2. Found that exposure to asbestos and insecticides increases the risk of lung and bladder cancer, respectively, in dogs

3. Showed that high fat and high protein (low carbohydrate) diets are associated with significantly improved survival in dogs with breast cancer

4. Identified risk factors for the current epidemic of owner relinquishment of dogs and cats to shelters where most are euthanized

5. Conducted the largest prospective health study to date of pet dogs 6. Showed a relationship between routine-vaccination and auto-immunity dogs

7. Established the first "Animal Welfare Curriculum" at a major university in the U.S.

8. Published more than 175 scientific articles, book chapters, and monographs on canine health

9. Received the Pfizer Research Award for Research Excellence and the Ralston Purina Small Animal Research Award

10. Trained 19 PhD students who are now engaged in veterinary and public health careers

His current areas of interest include the causes of cancer and bloat in dogs, transmission of infections from animals to people, adverse vaccine reactions, and the conduct of breed health surveys.