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​What is a Diplomate?
The term "ACVS Diplomate" refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified in veterinary surgery.

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Gastropexy in Dogs

The term "ACVS Diplomate" refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified in veterinary surgery. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the ACVS are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery.

Your ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon completed a three-year residency program, met specific training and caseload requirements, performed research and had research published. This process was supervised by ACVS Diplomates, ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. After completing the residency program, the individual passed a rigorous examination. Only then did your veterinary surgeon earn the title of ACVS Diplomate.

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Overview/Description of the Procedure: 

Gastropexy is a procedure in which the stomach is secured to the body wall. Several different types of gastropexy are commonly performed, via both large surgical incisions (laparotomy) and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques.

Conditions Commonly Treated Using Procedure: 

Gastropexy may be performed in healthy dogs to help prevent the occurrence of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV); a condition in which the stomach distends with gas and rotates in the abdomen.

During emergency surgery for dogs that experience GDV, gastropexy is performed after de-rotation of the stomach to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Advantages: 

Gastropexy is highly effective for prevention of GDV and generally well tolerated. Prophylactic procedures may be performed in at-risk breeds- generally large, deep-chested dogs- to avoid development of GDV, which can be a life-threatening condition.

Disadvantages: 

Gastropexy prevents rotation or torsion of the stomach, but is not effective at preventing bloat, or dilation of the stomach, which may still require veterinary attention.

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Animal Owners

This Animal Health Topic was written by and reviewed by Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.  Any opinions stated in this article are not necessarily the official position of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons recommends contacting an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon or your general veterinarian for more information about this topic.

To find an ACVS Diplomate, visit www.acvs.org/find-a-surgeon.