Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) in Dogs-

From Triage to Surgery

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This comprehensive lecture provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to the management of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) in dogs, focusing on the critical transition from triage to surgery. Delivered by a board-certified criticalist and surgeon, the session highlights the importance of early recognition, rapid stabilization, surgical intervention, and intensive post-operative care in optimizing outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

• Triage and Stabilization
• Prognostic Indicators
• Surgical Principles
• Anesthetic Considerations
• Post-Operative Care

This lecture underscores the life-saving potential of coordinated, team-based emergency and surgical care in GDV cases, emphasizing swift action, meticulous technique, and vigilant post-op support.

Speaker: Dr. Heike Botha, BVetMed, MVetMed, DACVECC- Critical Care Specialist

Bio: Dr. Heike Botha was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. During her studies, she completed a Master’s thesis with the Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets, and Wildlife, focusing on dietary management in wild herbivores.

After graduation, Dr. Botha completed a rotating internship at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she gained broad exposure to internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. She then moved to California to pursue a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) in San Diego.

Following residency, Dr. Botha spent two years practicing in Hawaii before returning to Southern California, where she joined VCA West Coast. Most recently, she joined Rise Pet Health, establishing the Emergency and Critical Care departments at the newly opened specialty hospital. Her clinical interests include trauma, sepsis, transfusion medicine, and critical stabilization of surgical emergencies.

Speaker: Dr. Daniel Nucci, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA- Small Animal Surgeon

Bio: Dr. Daniel Nucci was born in Chicago, Illinois, and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis in 2012. Following graduation, Dr. Nucci completed a rotating internship in Northern California, followed by a surgical internship in Ottawa, Canada.

He then pursued a residency in small animal surgery at Colorado State University, where he received advanced training in minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. In 2017, Dr. Nucci became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal).

Since completing his residency, Dr. Nucci has cultivated a special interest in the application of 3D printing in veterinary surgery. He is one of only four surgeons worldwide who work with Vet3D, a company that designs and produces patient-specific surgical guides and implants for complex angular limb deformities and high-grade medial patellar luxations. Through this collaboration, he helps bring customized, precision-based solutions to veterinary surgeons around the globe. Dr. Nucci is currently the only surgeon in Orange County offering this level of personalized surgical planning and 3D-printed implant technology.

When not working, Dr. Nucci enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in San Clemente, California.

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