Your dog suddenly becomes restless. They keep trying to vomit, but nothing comes up. They can’t settle. Their abdomen seems larger than normal. This is not a situation to watch overnight. A stomach bloat and twist or GDV (gastric-dilatation and volvulus) in dogs, is one of the true veterinary emergencies where minutes really can matter.
What Is GDV?
GDV is often called “bloat”, although simple bloating and GDV are not exactly the same thing.
The stomach becomes distended with gas and fluid and then twists around its axis. Once twisted, the contents cannot escape normally. More importantly, the enlarged, rotated stomach can interfere with blood flow and rapidly lead to shock and tissue damage.
Without urgent treatment, GDV in dogs can be fatal.
What Are the Warning Signs?
One of the most characteristic signs is repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything.
You may also notice:
- Sudden restlessness or pacing
- Excessive drooling
- A swollen or tight abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Pale gums
- Weakness
- Collapse
Not every dog will develop an enormous visibly bloated abdomen, particularly early in the process.
If your dog is repeatedly retching unsuccessfully and seems distressed, treat it as an emergency!
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Although GDV can occur in different dogs, large and giant breeds with deep, narrow chests are particularly at risk.
Recognised higher-risk breeds include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, Irish and Gordon Setters and Standard Poodles. Risk also increases with age, and having a close relative that has experienced GDV increases a dog’s risk.
That doesn’t mean owners of other breeds should ignore the signs.
What Happens at the Vet?
When we suspect GDV in dogs, treatment starts urgently.
The first priorities are combating shock and relieving pressure within the stomach. Intravenous fluids, pain relief, monitoring and gastric decompression may all be required.
X-rays are generally used to determine whether the stomach has twisted.
If GDV is confirmed, surgery is required once the patient has stabilised.
During surgery, the stomach is returned to its normal position and carefully assessed. Any severely damaged tissue may need to be removed. The stomach is then attached to the abdominal wall in a procedure called a gastropexy, which greatly reduces the risk of it twisting again.
Can GDV Be Prevented?
We cannot eliminate every risk factor, but owners of high-risk breeds should discuss prevention with their veterinarian.
One option is a prophylactic gastropexy, where the stomach is surgically attached to the abdominal wall before a GDV ever occurs. This can sometimes be performed at the same time as sterilisation.
A gastropexy does not necessarily prevent the stomach from becoming bloated, but it is intended to prevent the catastrophic twisting component of GDV.
Don’t Wait to See What Happens
This is the most important part of this entire article.
If you suspect GDV in dogs, do not wait for the abdomen to become enormous. Don’t wait until morning. Don’t give medication and see whether your dog improves.
Seek veterinary attention immediately.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, emergencies do not require an appointment, and an after-hours veterinarian is available via our clinic number when the practice is closed.
Knowing what GDV looks like before it happens could genuinely save your dog’s life.
