What are the diagnostic methods for acute gastric dilatation in dogs?

For acute gastric dilatation in dogs caused by Clostridium perfringens, gastrotomy was performed, the organs were repositioned, and antibiotics were given by intravenous drip after surgery; 2 cases were cured. Affected dogs not treated by this method are prone to death.

1. Clinical symptoms The affected dog's abdomen is abnormally distended, with stiff limbs; generalized muscle tremors, teeth grinding, salivation, pale visible mucous membranes, rapid breathing, irregular heart rhythm, lying quietly, and turning the head to look at the abdomen.

2. Necropsy changes Two dead dogs were dissected, and the findings were abnormally distended abdomen, stiff limbs, everted anus, and fluid accumulation in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The heart was dilated, the myocardium was flaccid, and there were a large number of hemorrhagic spots on the endocardium and epicardium. There were hemorrhagic spots on the gastric mucosa, and in 1 case the stomach ruptured; there were a large number of hemorrhagic spots on the mesentery. The liver was enlarged and friable, and in 1 case the liver ruptured. The kidneys were enlarged and purplish red. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged, with a brown cut surface. The intestines were distended with gas, and the spleen was enlarged, at 2 times normal, with a large amount of fermented feed in the stomach.

3. Laboratory examination Smears were made from the liver, spleen, kidney, blood, and scrapings of the small intestinal mucosa of the dead dogs, stained by Gram stain, and examined under a microscope; on the smear of intestinal mucosal scrapings, large Gram-positive bacilli with blunt rounded ends were visible. The bacterium has spores located centrally and smaller than the bacterial cell. It was later confirmed as Clostridium perfringens by bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical tests, and toxin testing.

4. Summary and discussion Based on the clinical manifestations, pathological changes, and bacterial examination results, it was confirmed that the cause of acute death in the dogs was acute gastric dilatation caused by Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is an anaerobic spore-forming Clostridium and is widely present in water, soil, and feed. When spores enter the digestive tract, under normal conditions the bacteria proliferate slowly, produce a small amount of toxin, and are excreted from the body due to gastrointestinal motility, without causing gastric dilatation. However, sudden changes in environmental conditions, such as spoiled feed, replacement of keepers, and excessive stocking density, can lead to disruption of the intestinal environment in dogs, thereby triggering gastric dilatation and even death. For the treatment of this disease, the only effective and feasible method is to perform surgery as soon as possible.