Canine Bloat (GDV): Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV, or commonly known as canine bloat) is a quick process that can bring a healthy dog into a lethal situation in less than 24 hours. Learning how to recognize it and understanding it’s treatment is something that all large breed owners should be aware of.

Causes

Although today’s veterinarians know factors that increase a dog’s risk for GDV, not much is known about the specific process that leads to It. GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes twisted and closes at both ends. Stomach gasses build up and cause the stomach to swell  This is usually limited to large breed dogs. It is frequently seen when a dog quickly eats or drinks a large amount and then engages in strenuous activity.

Signs

Major warning signs of GDV are acute lethargy, abdominal bloating, and persistent vomiting. A normally healthy Labrador may return from a day of playing outside with a larger than normal abdomen. It lies in the corner and refuses to stand. It then vomits any time it eats or drinks. Anything it ingests cannot reach the stomach and is quickly vomited.

Diagnosis

Although the symptoms of GDV are a great indicator for the condition an x-ray is usually taken for confirmation and to assess it’s severity. A large gas-filled stomach is easily seen on the x-ray.

Treatment

Treatment almost always involves surgery. A tube can be passed through the esophagus to relieve the pressure but the stomach will almost always twist again.

In surgery the doctor will return the stomach to it’s normal position. As the ends untwist an esophageal tube allows the pressurized contents of the stomach to escape safely. The stomach is then sutured to the abdominal wall (also referred to as stomach tacking) to prevent it from twisting again.

If surgery is not performed in under 48 hours the stomach will most likely burst, resulting in a painful death.

Prevention

Since the direct cause of GDV is largely unknown there are only a few preventative measures that an owner can do.

At risk dogs should be discouraged from playing or running immediately after large meals. At risk dogs include large breed and deep chested dogs.

Your veterinarian can also tack your dog’s stomach to the abdominal wall if any other abdominal surgery is being performed (such as a spay). The extra cost, which is usually minimal, is well worth preventing GDV from ever occurring.

If you suspect that your dog is experiencing GDV call your veterinarian immediately. They can assess if a life threatening condition is occurring and if your dog should be seen by a doctor.