Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus “BLOAT”

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Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition of dogs. The condition is commonly associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate, because of food and gas, it can get to a point where neither can be expelled. As the stomach begins to dilate and expand, the pressure in the stomach begins to increase. Additionally, the stomach can become dilated enough to rotate in the abdomen, a condition called volvulus. The entire body suffers from poor ventilation leading to cell death in many tissues and other several severe consequences, including:

  • Inadequate blood flow from the abdomen to the heart and loss of blood flow to stomach lining and spleen.

  • Rupture of the stomach wall and increased pressure not allowing lungs to fully expand.

  • Death

Initial signs are often with abdominal pain. These can include but are not limited to:

  • An anxious look or looking at the abdomen 

  • Standing and stretching 

  • Drooling, weakness, and collapse

  • Bloated belly 

  • Retching without producing anything 

There have been several studies that have evaluated risk factors and causes for GDV and is still not completely understood however there are associations with dogs that are “deep chested”, fed one large meal a day, older and are related to other dogs with a history of GDV and some say elevated feedings, previous spleen removal surgery and stress can trigger this condition.

The most common breeds we see experience this are Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Irish setters, and Gordon setters. But nearly all breeds of dogs have been reported to have had GDV.

Treatment:

Stabilization of your pet (IV fluids/hospitalization), decompression of the stomach, and surgery to return the stomach to the normal position permanently (gastropexy).

What is the survival rate?

This depends on many factors: the degree of shock, severity of condition, cardiac problems, stomach wall tissue death, length of surgery, etc. Even in uncomplicated cases the mortality rate is 30-40 %, this is why it’s important to observe your dog when they eat and react quickly if you suspect bloating.

Prevention:

Gastropexy (surgical attachment of stomach to body wall) is the most effective means of prevention. We recommend prophylactic gastropexy to be performed at the time of spay or neuter especially in deep chested, large breed dogs. This does not prevent bloat but does prevent twisting of the stomach in the majority of cases and without gastropexy recurrence is as high as 75%! Also eating two or more meals per day, adding canned food to dry kibble, feeding a proper diet that is calcium enriched, and finally having a relaxed and easy going temperament are some factors to help decrease the risk of GDV. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions regarding this condition!