Gastroplexy with neuter?

[Cynthia Shoe]

Hi folks,

Our vet and another vet friend just recommend that we schedule a gastroplexy 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?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Why is the vet recommending this....does Lambeau suffer from gastric reflex?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh oops! Just seeing you already responded!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I'm confused as to why they would be recommending this unless he has reflux problems that are really bad.

[Cynthia Shoe]

They both said that since doodle's are a broad chested breed, they are more likely to suffer from twisted stomach, so the procedure staples the stomach to the back, so in the future his stomach won't flip or twist (like what happened in Marley and Me). 

I also just realized I spelled it wrong. It is Gastropexy. No L. 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Very interesting, I had no idea this was offered! I guess if they feel he is that broad chested? I guess if they feel he is at a high risk or increased risk because of his build maybe it's worth looking into! I agree with Lori, I would probably have to weigh the pros and cons.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Bloat is one of my worst fears for Winnie! And, it's my understanding that gastropexy almost completely eliminates the possibility of it ever happening. We were never offered the procedure, but if we were I think I would have maybe considered it.

I would say it is one of those things that you would have to weigh the risks versus the benefits. Cost, recuperation time, potential complications, etc. would all be things to think about. On the flip side, if you choose not to have it done, how close do you live to an emergency vet if he were to get bloat? If you do a lot of camping in the wilderness, or hikes in remote areas with your dog, it's something to think about. 

[Cynthia Shoe]

If I was understanding the vet, is that a stomach flipping and bloat are two different but related things, so it might not prevent bloat, but would prevent a stomach flipping because of bloat. I just found this article which helped me understand a little better: http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-you...

It adds a small incision, but doesn't add to the recovery time. It costs about $400-$500 extra for the procedure to do now, but could potentially save us money later if he had an issue. We live close to an emergency vet, but we are likely to take him camping and hiking, so that is a good point... 

So many things to think about! He is broad chested. Just this weekend I was looking at him and wondering how his chest got so big, because his head looks small now! I think his body grew and left his head behind! this photo doesn't really show his chest, but it is sooo cute I had to share. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Lambeau is a standard, correct.  I think it could be a good idea if it truly eliminates the possibility of bloat.  Our Springer died of this this past summer, even though we rushed him to the vet who operated immediately so I am totally biased.  Here is an article on risk factors for bloat.  http://www.goldenrescuestlouis.org/Bloat.asp

The article's bottom-line is this: Perhaps the best selective tool against bloat is the chest-depth to chest-width ratio.

[Jennifer Szulinski]

Hi. Our 50 lb f1 labradoodle had bloat when she was 8. The scariest moments were watching her suffer before we brought her to the emergency vet. Her stomach had already started twisting. She had the surgery along with the gastrpexy and has been fine evrr since. For that reason we did a gastrpexy on our mini doodle at the same time she was spay. It cost about 500 extra but was worth it.Her recovery was normal and she is a crazy loving dood. If your doodle is deep chested and fast eater they are in the higher risk category. Good luck with your decision.

[Cynthia Shoe]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. We scheduled the procedure for January, but I am still worried about both options. So much to think about still! 

[Cynthia Shoe]

We just dropped Lambeau off for his neuter and gastropexy. I am feeling very sad right now and wish I could be there with him! I feel so bad and am worried that he must be scared and lonely. Which is ridiculous to waste time worrying about. But I miss him. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Try not to worry Cynthia. Lambeau will be back home and doing well in no time. These boys bounce back rather quickly! Let us know when he is back home.