An Internet-based survey of risk factors for surgical gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Objective</jats:bold>—To evaluate risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in a large number of privately owned dogs across a wide geographic area.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Design</jats:bold>—Internet-based, cross-sectional study.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Animals</jats:bold>—2,551 privately owned dogs.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Procedures</jats:bold>—A questionnaire addressed dog-specific, management, environmental, and personality-associated risk factors for GDV in dogs. Respondents were recruited through the posting of the electronic link to the questionnaire on websites for dog owners; the information was also disseminated at meetings of dog owners and via newsletters, e-mail lists for dog owners and breeders, owner-oriented dog publications, and e-mails forwarded by participants. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Results</jats:bold>—Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV were being fed dry kibble, anxiety, residence in the United Kingdom, being born in the 1990s, being a family pet, and spending at least 5 hours a day with the owner. Factors associated with a decreased risk of GDV were playing with other dogs and running the fence after meals, fish and egg dietary supplements, and spending equal time indoors and outdoors. A significant interaction between sex and neuter status was observed, with sexually intact females having the highest risk for GDV.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusions and Clinical Relevance</jats:bold>—In dogs with a high risk of GDV, regular moderate daily and postprandial activity appeared to be beneficial. Feeding only commercial dry dog food may not be the best choice for dogs at risk; however, supplements with fish or eggs may reduced this risk. The effect of neuter status on GDV risk requires further characterization.</jats:p>