Gastropexy

[Cynthia Shoe]

Hi Folks, 

I posted this in the Puppy Madness group, but wanted to also hear from folks who may have older doodles.

Our vet and another vet friend just recommend that we schedule a gastropexy with Lambeau's neuter. We are hesitant to add an unnecessary procedure but would like to do what is best overall for him. Has anyone else done this or been recommended to do it? If so, what helped make you decision?

Thanks! Cynthia 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is something that is routinely done for dogs who are at high risk for bloat. The German Shepherd rescue group for which I volunteer does it on every dog when they are spayed/neutered, as a precautionary measure. I'm guessing your vets feel that Lambeau is at high risk, possibly based on his build. Did they give you their reasons?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I wish this was offered when my dog was neutered.  I talked with another vet ( not mine ) and she recommends it for dogs at high risk and recommended I check into it because I had concerns. 

I brought it up to my vet who thought things were fine but that I should also follow precautions for bloat like I would any dog 

[Three Doodle Life]

We are doing this with our pup Mozzie. They will do it at the same time as his neuter surgery. I asked for the procedure after seeing so many horror stories about bloat. I just don't want to risk it. The vet agreed that Mozzie was higher risk because of his deep narrow chest. We are also having the procedure done on our 2 year old doodle, Beowoof. Our vet said that it is a really simple procedure.

[Princess Lila Pearl]

Hello!  We are planning to do this with our Lila next week as less than 2 weeks ago her father died tragically from twisting his stomach at only 3.5 yrs old. His vet said it was hereditary so we are going to go ahead and elect the procedure during her spay.  

I'm curious..how did Mozzie's go? Any concerns we should be thinking about?

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I think if I were you would have it done.  If I were to ever have another standard poodle, I would definitely have it done when neutering.  My doodles are 5 and 3 now, and I am extremely cautious about when we feed and when we exercise. If they should ever have to have anesthesia and the vet suggested gastropexy, I would really consider it.  Bloat scares me to death because we did have an incident with our Standard Poodle years ago and caught it in time.