Bloat or GDV

GDV stands for gastric dilation volvulus and means that a dog’s stomach has been distended (bloated) with air and has twisted on itself. This is a very serious disease which occurs very suddenly, most commonly in large breed dogs, rarely in mid-small breed dogs. Before the stomach twists the disease is known as gastric dilation or bloat.

The cause of GDV is unknown but there are known risk factors:

• Deep chested dogs, especially Great Danes, German Shepherds, Weimaraners and Dobermans
• Diet – large volumes of food per meal, and meals of only dry food (biscuits)
• Underlying gastrointestinal disease
• Exercise before and after meals
• Elevated feeding (feeding from a height)
• Rapid eating
• Male gender
• Increasing age
• Poor body condition
• Stress and anxiety
• Having a first degree relative with a history of GDV

GDV is a medical emergency, it causes severe pain and distress and can result in fatal physiological disturbances, such as shock and cardiac arrhythmias.

Clinical signs (symptoms) of GDV include:

• Bloated abdomen
• Unproductive retching
• Restlessness and distress
• Collapse
• Excessive salivation or drooling

When you arrive at the vet we will:

• Administer pain relief and large volumes of IV fluids
• Take an x-ray to differentiate from bloat and GDV
• Attempt stomach decompression via a tube or needle prior to surgery
• Perform surgery if confirmed as GDV
• Provide critical care and intensive monitoring for 12-24 hours post-surgery as required

Reducing risk factors where possible is the best way to prevent GDV in at risk breeds. This can be achieved by:

• Feeding several smaller meals a day rather than one large one
• Feeding a high quality food that requires less bulk to achieve nutritional requirements
• Mixing dry food with fresh meat or tinned food
• Reducing stress and excitement during feeding times, for example separating dogs at meal times
• Not breeding from dogs with a history of GDV
• Not exercising dogs before or after meals

If you suspect your dog has GDV you must bring them into the clinic immediately.