Computed tomographic appearance of gastropexy sites in dogs

To describe the computed tomography appearance of gastropexy sites and report their anatomical and suspected functional abnormalities.

Medical records of dogs with prior gastropexy undergoing abdominal computed tomography between December 2010 and June 2021 were reviewed from two veterinary hospitals. Dogs were categorised into two groups based on gastric anatomic distortion: anatomic (10) or non-anatomic (12).

A total of 22 dogs were included, with time since gastropexy ranging from 16 to 1552 days (median: 311 days). Computed tomography findings showed a median attenuation of 38.5 HU (range: 6 to 57) of the gastropexy site, as well as focal slight thickening of the gastric wall and adjacent muscle in all dogs. Neovascularisation at the gastropexy site was found in approximately 65% of the animals, while marked gastric dilatation was noted in 32%, and a gravel sign was observed in 73%. The anatomic group had broader pedicles and a greater distance from the xiphisternum and midline compared to the non-anatomic group. Median gastric angles were significantly smaller in the gastropexy groups (Anatomic: 85.5°; Non-anatomic: 52°) compared to a control group (132°).

The current study identified specific computed tomography imaging features of gastropexy sites contributing to a better understanding of the range of appearance and degree of detected anatomic distortion following gastropexy. It also identified signs of suspected gastric functional abnormalities in all gastropexy patients regardless of the degree of anatomic distortion.