Gastropexy

Gastrointestinal

What is a Gastropexy?

A gastropexy is a surgical procedure performed on dogs to prevent gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as torsion or bloat. Torsion/bloat is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach rotates, twisting off blood supply and trapping air and gases in the stomach. Because circulation to the stomach and spleen are cut off, the dog goes into shock and dies - usually within a matter of hours. 

During the gastropexy procedure, the right side of the stomach is tacked to the right side of the abdominal wall, in order to prevent shifting and twisting. The procedure can be performed either as an open surgery o... Read More

Canine Pancreatitis

Gastrointestinal

What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a vital organ which lies on the right side of the abdomen. It has two functions:

1. To produce digestive enzymes to assist in food digestion.
2. To produce hormones such as insulin

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis. It is a disease process that is seen commonly in the dog. There is no age, sex, or breed predisposition.

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Canine Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of many different diseases. Many mild cases of diarrhea can be resolved quickly with simple treatments. Others are the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become fatal if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.

How serious is diarrhea in dogs?

Your veterinarian will attempt to determine how sick your dog has become as a consequence of the diarrhea. When the dog is systemically ill... Read More

Bloat: The Mother of All Emergencies

Gastrointestinal

There are many injuries and physical disorders that represent life-threatening emergencies. There is only one condition so drastic that it overshadows them all in terms of rapidity of consequences and effort in emergency treatment. This is the gastric dilatation and volvulus– the bloat.

What is it and Why is it so Serious?

The normal stomach sits high in the abdomen and contains a small amount of gas, some mucus, and any food being digested. It undergoes a normal ... Read More