Rare case links GDV and heartworm disease in dog with situs inversus

A newly published case report in Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound describes an unusual emergency presentation in a 7-year-old spayed female bloodhound with situs inversus totalis: gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, occurring alongside heartworm disease. According to the report, thoracic radiographs showed a right-sided, “D”-shaped cardiac silhouette and pulmonary arterial distension, while abdominal radiographs showed a gas-distended stomach with left-sided pyloric displacement. Surgery confirmed the mirror-image anatomy and concurrent GDV; the stomach was de-rotated, an incisional gastropexy was performed, and the dog survived to discharge. The paper appears in volume 67, issue 3 of the journal, with PubMed listing it under PMID 42011803. (lifescience.net)

Why it matters: For veterinary teams, the case is a reminder that rare congenital laterality defects can complicate interpretation of thoracic and abdominal imaging in time-sensitive emergencies. Situs inversus totalis is uncommon in dogs, and published canine reports note that clinical information remains limited, though the condition can occur with other anatomic or cardiovascular abnormalities. In a disease like GDV, where immediate stabilization and surgery are critical, recognizing mirror-image anatomy could help avoid diagnostic delay and support surgical planning. The concurrent heartworm diagnosis also adds cardiopulmonary complexity in a patient population already at risk for shock, arrhythmias, and perioperative compromise. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether this report prompts more discussion around imaging interpretation and emergency surgical planning in dogs with incidental or previously unrecognized situs inversus. (lifescience.net)