Risk factors for gastric dilatation in Irish setter dogs

Questionnaires were used to obtain data about Irish setters with gastric dilatation (GD) and control Irish setters. The risk of GD increased with age (P<0·01) but was not associated with gender. Age and gender-matched controls were compared with cases (n=74). Predisposing risks were aerophagia (unadjusted odds ratio 12·44, P<0·001), a single food type (adjusted odds ratio 3·15, P<0·01) and feeding once daily (adjusted odds ratio 2·90, P<0·02). Apparent risk from a dry food diet and a condition score of less than 2 was not confirmed by logistic regression. Precipitating risks were recent kennelling (unadjusted odds ratio 100, P<0·005) or a car journey (unadjusted odds ratio 3·29, P<0·025). No risk was attributed to intensity or duration of exercise, temperament, appetite, speed of eating, vomiting or diarrhoea.