ACHILES

English Mastiff

Male

4 years old

Weight - 189 lbs. 

Achiles was brought in on 1/11/10 when his owners noticed he was extremely lethargic and bloated. His owner said he had been trying to vomit but could not. Dr. Francke diagnosed Achiles with Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). GDV is a life threatening disorder most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs. The term refers to a gas-filled stomach (bloat) that then twists upon itself. It is a medical emergency that usually requires surgery to correct. Achiles was started on an IV and given pain medication. He was then prepped for surgery. Dr. VanOchten opened his abdomen, drained the gas from his stomach, and flipped his stomach to normal position. After tacking the stomach down to prevent further flipping, he closed his incisions. The next couple days Achiles did not want to eat. Eventually, after many attempts, he started eating. Achiles came in for a recheck on 1/18/10 and had mild drainage from the incision. The doctor decided to leave the sutures in place for another week. On 1/25/10 Achiles came in and had his sutures removed. He is doing great!

Achiles being prepped for surgery.

Achiles several days after surgery.

Achiles with one of our Veterinary Assistants, Becky.

Achiles with his owner at a recheck appointment.