What should be monitored in patients with suspected GDV before performing surgery?

In cases of suspected Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), monitoring the heart rate is crucial prior to surgery. GDV can lead to significant cardiovascular instability due to the severe distention of the stomach and subsequent pressure on the abdomen, which can affect venous return, cardiac output, and oxygen delivery to the tissues. An elevated heart rate can indicate stress, hypovolemia, or impending shock, all of which are critical to identify before proceeding with surgical intervention.

Understanding the heart rate aids in assessing the patient's overall cardiovascular status, which is essential for determining the urgency and the approach for surgical stabilization. While other parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature also provide valuable insights into the patient's condition, the heart rate directly reflects the immediate physiological response to the acute situation of GDV and indicates how well the body is coping in the presence of this life-threatening condition. Monitoring it closely helps ensure that the anesthetic and surgical plans are appropriately tailored to the patient's needs.