You may have heard of GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus), more commonly known as Bloat, and wondered, could it happen to my dog? The short answer is: yes. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health determined that there are 2.9 to 6.8 cases per 1,000 hospitalized dogs, with large and giant breeds (e.g., German Shepherds or Great Danes) being more susceptible. But smaller dogs are not immune to this serious emergency. Let’s take a closer look at GDV in dogs.
What is GDV in Dogs?
GDV in dogs is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when your dog’s stomach twists on itself and fills with air and fluid. Think of it like a balloon that’s been twisted closed … nothing can get in or out. This condition is one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine, but with prompt treatment and surgery, many dogs make a full recovery.
What makes GDV in dogs so life threatening, is that there is a cascade of events that happen quickly when the stomach twists:
- Air and fluid become trapped and accumulate rapidly
- The stomach’s blood supply gets cut off
- The expanding stomach presses against major blood vessels
- Blood flow to and from the heart becomes compromised
- Your pet goes into shock
GDV Symptoms in Dogs
Early GDV symptoms in dogs include restlessness/pacing, abdominal distension (swollen belly), unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), and excessive drooling.
As more time goes by, the symptoms worsen and include,
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
- Weakness or collapse
- Pain when the abdomen is pressed
- Inability to stand
Right now, the most important thing you can do is get your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Don’t delay—time is truly of the essence when you notice GDV symptoms in dogs.
Next Steps: Emergency Surgery Required
When your dog has Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, they will need emergency surgery as soon as possible. This is why we recommend taking them directly to an emergency and specialty center that can perform urgent surgery and provide the intensive post-operative care your pet will need. Time is critical with this condition, and specialized care gives your pet the best chance at recovery.
The Stabilization Process
When you arrive at the emergency veterinary hospital, your pet will need to be stabilized before surgery can be performed. The veterinary team will work to:
Support the cardiovascular system with medications and fluids to counteract shock.
Decompress the stomach, if needed. In some cases, a procedure called trocharization may be necessary—this involves carefully inserting a needle into the stomach to release some of the trapped air before surgery.
Monitor and treat the heart. Some dogs develop irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias) that require medication.
Address clotting issues. The severe inflammation and shock can affect your pet’s ability to clot blood normally, and some dogs may need blood transfusions.
What Happens During Surgery
Once stabilized, your dog will be ready for surgery. During the emergency surgery, the veterinary surgeon will:
- De-rotate the stomach to return it to its normal position
- Tack the stomach to the body wall (a procedure called gastropexy) to prevent it from twisting again in the future
- Assess the stomach and spleen for damage from lack of blood flow
- Remove damaged tissue, if necessary—in some cases, part of the stomach or the entire spleen may need to be removed if the blood supply was cut off for too long
Recovery and Prognosis
GDV in dogs often requires intensive post-surgery care. The veterinary team will monitor them closely for complications related to shock and ensure they’re recovering properly.
The good news: Dogs treated early in the course of GDV have the highest survival rates. Every minute counts with this condition, so the sooner the stomach is decompressed and de-rotated, the better the outcome and the lower the risk of permanent damage or severe complications.
Should you find yourself in a veterinary emergency, we can help!
Call our Frederick location at 301.200.8185 Call our Richmond location at 804.206.9122