To stomach tack preventatively or not?

[gunter]

My dog is 11 months old. I want to get him fixed, soon. We were told to have his stomach tacked while the vet was already in there. Well, we've been quoted around $800 for this combined surgery, and I don't know if I can afford to spend that much. So I'd like opinions from people who have more experience with GSDs than I do. Should I pay for that operation to be done too, or leave it to chance and only have him fixed? Thanks!

[Shade]

Delado was neutered at 10 months, I considered both the tacking and prelim xrays but ended up deciding to just do the neuter. It's a risk either way and I decided the surgery risk wasn't worth it IMO

[Neko]

Our vet told us he likes the surgery, it is easy to do and fast recovery, but to be aware that it is NOT 100% prevention.

I appreciated his honesty. We are considering it, but not sure yet.

[jocoyn]

Is the vet "in there" because he has a retained testicle? Neuter does not require an abdominal incision............I have never done it. Been very cautious with my dogs about keeping them lean, not feeding huge meals, being careful about when I feed relative to excercise etc.

[ken k]

Originally Posted by gunter

My dog is 11 months old. I want to get him fixed, soon. We were told to have his stomach tacked while the vet was already in there. Well, we've been quoted around $800 for this combined surgery, and I don't know if I can afford to spend that much. So I'd like opinions from people who have more experience with GSDs than I do. Should I pay for that operation to be done too, or leave it to chance and only have him fixed? Thanks!

having 2 GSD`s that bloated and one die from it, i would recommend the tacking, you can spend $600 now, or possibly thousands later, or worst case the dog dies, they can still bloat with the tacking, but their stomach wont twist, I was offered the chance to have Max stapled when he was neutered, I told the vet I`d take my chances, I lost

[Neko]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

Is the vet "in there" because he has a retained testicle? Neuter does not require an abdominal incision............I have never done it. Been very cautious with my dogs about keeping them lean, not feeding huge meals, being careful about when I feed relative to excercise etc.

We were also told that bloat can have nothing to do with food. It can be from stress alone, water, running, jumping and yes eating too fast and running/jumping. I am sure you know, but we did not. =)

It also seams like it could be somewhat inherited. Some dogs get it and others never see the problem. Not sure, but its a scary thing.

[Neko]

Originally Posted by ken k

they can still bloat with the tacking, but their stomach wont twist,

Chances are that it wont flip, but still can =/ and can detach too. I so wish it was 100% prevention.

[jang]

If I had this opportunity, I would take it....This is just my opinion based on fear!!!

[Sunflowers]

I don't think I would mess with the dog's anatomy, but I'm also against humans getting gastric bypasses and such. You do what you think is right.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Originally Posted by Neko

Chances are that it wont flip, but still can =/ and can detach too. I so wish it was 100% prevention.

How prevalent is this?

pre bloat?
Gastropexy?
Prophylactic Gastropexy - Should I do it???
Kopper under the knife. . .
Elective gastroplexy , not in conjunction w/spay/nueter?
Pre-emptive stomach tack?

It is not like a bypass surgery.

This problem has 2 parts.

They can bloat where the stomach blows up with air. This can be relieved in non-surgical ways by a vet.

They can torse where the only option you have is surgery.

The surgery helps to prevent the torsion from happening. This gives you more time (not that you should dawdle) from when your dog begins to bloat to get them vet care. It also reduces that torsion from happening - where organs and tissues die off - that either kill the dog or make recovery from surgery more difficult/impossible.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in Dogs
Bloat in Dogs with many links at the bottom

Bloat/GDV surgery seems to cost around $3000 on average.