Effect of Laparoscopic‐assisted Gastropexy on Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Dogs

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic gastropexy has been promoted as a means of preventing gastric volvulus during gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome. Little is known about the impact of gastropexy on gastrointestinal transit time. HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic‐assisted gastropexy (LAG) will not alter gastrointestinal transit times when comparing gastric (GET), small and large bowel (SLBTT), and whole gut transit times (TTT) before and after surgery. ANIMALS: 10 healthy client‐owned large‐breed dogs. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial. Before surgery, all dogs underwent physical examination and diagnostic evaluation to ensure normal health status. Dogs were fed a prescription diet for 6 weeks before determination of gastrointestinal transit with a wireless motility capsule. LAG was then performed, and dogs were fed the diet for 6 additional weeks. Measurement of transit times was repeated 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Ten dogs of various breeds at‐risk for GDV were enrolled. No complications were encountered associated with surgery or capsule administration. There were no significant differences in GET 429 [306–1,370] versus 541 [326–1,298] (P = 0.80), SLBTT 1,243 [841–3,070] versus 1,540 [756–2,623] (P = 0.72), or TTT 1,971 [1,205–3,469] versus 1,792 [1,234–3,343] minutes (median, range) (P = 0.65) before and after LAG. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: An effect of LAG on gastrointestinal transit time was not identified, and wireless motility capsule can be safely administered in dogs after LAG.