Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus and Heartworm Disease in a Dog With Situs Inversus

A 7-year-old spayed female bloodhound was evaluated due to concern for gastrointestinal obstruction. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with mild cranial abdominal discomfort on palpation. Thoracic radiographs revealed cardiac silhouette enlargement with a "D"-shaped appearance and pulmonary arterial distension. Abdominal radiographs revealed a gas-distended stomach with craniodorsal displacement of the pylorus in the left lateral projection. Heartworm disease was diagnosed via the SNAP heartworm antigen test. Situs inversus totalis with concurrent gastric dilatation and volvulus was confirmed surgically during exploratory laparotomy. The stomach was de-rotated, and an incisional gastropexy was performed. The patient survived to discharge.