Gastric dilatation and volvulus in Shih-tzu

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is an acute and life-threatening disease most commonly affecting large- and giant-breed dogs. However a 17-year-old Shih-tzu (4 kg, spayed female) was hospitalized for acute GDV. Repeated unproductive retching, lethargy, and excessively enlarged abdomen were observed. Physical examination indicated that the patient had suffered from hypothermia (36.5°C), tachycardia (240 bpm), slowed capillary refill time (> 2 sec.), and pale mucous membrane. Grade III murmur with normal lung sound was auscultated. Abdominal palpation revealed that tympanic regions existed in both the left and right sides. Systolic blood pressure decreased gradually from 220 to 40 mmHg within 4 hours. In blood analysis, slight azotemia was observed by blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 29.1 mg/dl) and creatinine (1.6 mg/dl). Blood lactate concentration (8.13 mmol/l) was severely elevated. Additionally, dilatation and volvulus of the stomach was observed by radiograph. Supportive oxygen, heat, fluid, and drugs were administered with gastric decompressions (e.g., gastrocentesis and nasogastric tube). However the patient entered into comatose status with uncontrollable systolic blood pressure, despite the administration of dobutamine intravenously. The case was closed by euthanasia, considering welfare and age. We finally diagnosed the patient as a GDV, thus this is the first GDV case report in small-breed dog such as Shih-tzu.