Spontaneous gastric dilatation-volvulus in two cats

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Small Animal Surgery
• Emergency and Critical Care

Background:

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition commonly diagnosed in dogs.
• GDV in cats is considered rare, with limited case reports available in veterinary literature.
• Previous reports have linked feline GDV to traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Observation:

• Two cases of GDV in female Persian cats presenting with respiratory distress and severe abdominal distension are described.
• Physical examination revealed tachypnea, dyspnea, and a painful, distended abdomen in both cats.
• Radiographs were diagnostic for GDV in only one of the two cases, underscoring potential diagnostic challenges.

Findings:

• Exploratory laparotomy confirmed GDV in both cats, and gastropexy was successfully performed.
• The two cases presented occurred without a history of trauma or diaphragmatic hernia.
• This suggests a second, distinct clinical setting for GDV in cats.

Implications:

• Veterinarians should include GDV in their differential diagnoses for cats exhibiting respiratory distress and abdominal distension, even in the absence of classic radiographic signs.
• Understanding the varied clinical presentations of GDV in cats is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• This study expands the known clinical settings for feline GDV, differentiating it from the more commonly reported association with diaphragmatic hernias.