POST-MORTEM DIAGNOSIS OF GASTRIC DILATATION-VOLVULUS WITH TRANSVERSAL TORSION IN A DOG - CASE REPORT

Abstract

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an urgent condition characterized by the dilation and torsion of the stomach, typically occurring under the cardia or pylorus. A female Labrador dog was brought to the Veterinary Pathology Sector of the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina, coming from a private veterinary clinic with a diagnosis of polyradiculoneuritis and subsequent euthanasia. At necropsy, there was significant gastric distension and alteration in the color of the serosa, with torsion in its transverse axis and a portion of the stomach body compressed into the shape of a “waisted” silhouette with a visible line representing the circulation disorder, without obstruction of the cardia and pylorus. To date, there are no reports in the literature of the rotation pattern observed in this case. Given the high mortality rate associated with this condition, the successful treatment of volvulus-gastric dilation is closely related to early identification, with emphasis on the accurate evaluation of clinical signs and complementary tests, in addiction to prompt initiation of appropriate therapy and patient stabilization to maximize the survival chances of the affected animal.