How common is it for a dog to need gastropexy twice in a month’s time? If it is needed the second time, is it due to human error on the first one?

Noreen
East Haven, CT

Gastropexy is a surgery designed to treat or prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as bloat or GDV. GDV is one of the worst things that can happen to a dog. Without emergency surgery the overwhelming majority of dogs suffering from GDV rapidly die agonizing deaths.

After gastropexy dogs should not suffer from GDV. It is incredibly uncommon for dogs to need the procedure twice in one month.

Improper surgical technique during gastropexy certainly could lead to a situation in which a dog needs a second surgery. However, the fact that your dog required two gastropexies in rapid succession is not prima facie evidence that the original surgeon made a mistake. Properly performed gastropexies can fail at any time.

I hope that your dog is well. Based upon the information you have provided I cannot determine whether the first surgery was performed correctly.