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.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) are associated with the decision to proceed with surgery and survival to discharge. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of dogs with GDV confirmed on right lateral abdominal radiographs at a single referral hospital (Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre, Toronto, Ontario) from January 2000 to March 2025. Dogs with thoracic radiographs (or documented interpretation), complete signalment, and survival-to-discharge data were included. Thoracic findings were recorded and evaluated for associations with surgery and survival. RESULTS: Of 176 included dogs, 16 (9.1%) had findings suggestive of aspiration pneumonia and 15 (8.5%) had cardiomegaly. One dog had a solitary soft tissue opacity recorded as a structured interstitial pulmonary abnormality; none had evidence of disseminated pulmonary metastasis. Surgery was performed in 171 of 176 dogs (97.2%), and 162 of 171 (94.7%) survived to discharge. Radiographic findings suggestive of aspiration pneumonia and cardiomegaly were not associated with whether surgery was performed or survival to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with GDV and documented thoracic radiographs, thoracic radiographic abnormalities were not associated with the decision to proceed with surgery or survival to discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracic radiography findings were not associated with surgical decision-making or short-term survival in this cohort, suggesting limitations in the prognostic utility of routine thoracic radiography in dogs with GDV, although thoracic imaging may still provide clinically relevant information in select cases.