Study investigating the factors influencing bloating and the development and outcome of GDV in Deerhounds in the UK |
It is well accepted that Deerhounds can suffer from recurrent episodes of bloating (gastric dilatation - GD). These are often characterised by a distended abdomen due to the stomach being full of gas. The clinical signs can vary but affected dogs are often unsettled and can have an uncomfortable abdomen. This can progress to the condition where the stomach subsequently twists, known as GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus). Dogs with GDV are usually more unsettled than dogs with GD and often make frequent unsuccessful efforts to vomit. Although GD is seen prior to the development of GDV, in many dogs GD does not progress to GDV. In addition, GDV can occur without the prior onset of GD. Many episodes of GD will self resolve or resolve without dogs being taken to the vets. For GDV however, the only possible treatment is surgery and this therefore requires immediate veterinary attention. It is currently unknown however which factors significantly influence the onset and outcome of GD and the onset and outcome of GDV in Deerhounds. Nottingham University together with the Deerhound Club would therefore like to gather as much information about the dogs that suffer one or both of these conditions so that we can characterise these factors. Once this has been completed with sufficiently large numbers of dogs we may be able to suggest management approaches, which reduce the development of one of both of these conditions.
The following questionnaire should be completed for each dog that has suffered from GD or GDV. Please complete one form per dog. We would also encourage people to complete the questionnaire on dogs that have not suffered from GD or GDV for comparative purposes. It will be especially helpful if you can complete the questionnaire for all of your dogs if you have multiple dogs at home. This will be extremely valuable if some have and some have not suffered from either GD or GDV. Questionnaires from these dogs are particularly helpful as they are living in similar situations and are likely to be managed similarly by their owners. We would also like you, if possible, to complete questionnaires for dogs that have suffered GD or GDV but are no longer alive. Please indicate from the list below whether you are completing this for a dog that has suffered with a GD alone, a GDV alone, where they have a history of GD and then developed a GDV, or for a dog that has never suffered with either. Please complete one form per dog.
The following questionnaire should be completed for each dog that has suffered from GD or GDV. Please complete one form per dog. We would also encourage people to complete the questionnaire on dogs that have not suffered from GD or GDV for comparative purposes. It will be especially helpful if you can complete the questionnaire for all of your dogs if you have multiple dogs at home. This will be extremely valuable if some have and some have not suffered from either GD or GDV. Questionnaires from these dogs are particularly helpful as they are living in similar situations and are likely to be managed similarly by their owners. We would also like you, if possible, to complete questionnaires for dogs that have suffered GD or GDV but are no longer alive. Please indicate from the list below whether you are completing this for a dog that has suffered with a GD alone, a GDV alone, where they have a history of GD and then developed a GDV, or for a dog that has never suffered with either. Please complete one form per dog.
We would therefore appreciate your continued support with our breed health programme by consenting to be involved on the basis of this being an anonymised study where the details of participants (both dog and owners) will not be revealed. Only the researchers at the University of Nottingham will know those people taking part. It is hoped that by maintaining a strictly anonymous project we will encourage all owners and breeders to get involved. Participation in this research is entirely voluntary and there is no obligation to take part. Your details and the information you provide will be anonymised. This study has been approved by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science’s ethics committee and by the breed group health committee. Information collected will be used for research and for the benefit of the breed via updates and social media. We would therefore appreciate your continued support with our breed health programme by consenting to be involved on this basis.
If you have any questions regarding this survey please contact Dr Mark Dunning sv-dogs@nottingham.ac.uk
If you have any questions regarding this survey please contact Dr Mark Dunning sv-dogs@nottingham.ac.uk