Thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus rarely affect the decision to proceed with surgery or survival to discharge: a 25-year retrospective study of 176 cases.

Thoracic radiographs in GDV dogs do not affect surgical decisions or survival outcomes.

This 25-year retrospective cohort study examined 176 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) to determine whether thoracic radiographic findings influence surgical decision-making and short-term survival outcomes. Thoracic radiographs were obtained in all cases, with findings recorded and analyzed for associations with surgical intervention and discharge survival. Aspiration pneumonia was identified in 9.1% of cases and cardiomegaly in 8.5%; one dog had an interstitial pulmonary abnormality. Surgery was performed in 97.2% of dogs, with 94.7% surviving to discharge. Statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between thoracic radiographic abnormalities and the decision to proceed with surgery or survival outcomes. The authors concluded that routine thoracic radiography in GDV cases has limited prognostic utility and rarely influences clinical decision-making, though selective use may retain value in individual cases.

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