Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs (also known as bloat), refers to stomach distension and twisting. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid or food causing it to swell and twist on itself. The twisting causes the distended stomach to press onto large blood vessels, stopping blood flow to the stomach and spleen.

GDV is a complex condition that doesn’t have a single known cause. However, it is associated with several risk factors which include:

• Breed and body shape: Large dog breeds with deep chests.
• Age: Older dogs are more at risk, as they may have weaker stomach muscles.
• Genetics: Dogs with a family history of GDV are at increased risk.
• Diet: Some research suggests that diets high in fat or containing certain ingredients may contribute to GDV.
• Eating habits: Dogs that gulp down food or are fed one large meal per day (instead of multiple smaller meals) have a higher risk of GDV.
• Eating from elevated bowls: Some studies suggest that raised food bowls may contribute to GDV.
• Stress: Dogs in high-stress situations or that generally have an anxious temperament can be susceptible to GDV, as stress can cause changes in the stomach.
• Exercising at the wrong times: Vigorous activity right before or after eating can increase the risk of GDV.

When it comes to how to diagnose GDV in dogs, being able to recognise the signs of a gastric volvulus dog is critical to saving their life. The most obvious signs of a dog with GDV are having a swollen stomach, non-productive vomiting (when nothing comes up), retching, and lethargy. Some other indicators of abdominal pain and discomfort can include agitation, breathing difficulties, shock, collapse, excessive salivation, a rapid heart rate, and pale gums. One or more of these symptoms could be a sign of several other health conditions too, so you should seek the expertise of a professional vet ASAP.

The first step is to assess your dog with a physical examination and X-rays to confirm whether the stomach is just dilated or if it is twisted too. If it is twisted, emergency surgery is the only treatment option. Fluids will be immediately administered, as well as pain relief and then an anaesthetic. A vet will release the gas that has built up in your dog’s stomach with a stomach tube or a large needle to stabilise your dog. GDV surgery then involves untwisting and repositioning the stomach, as well as inspecting the surrounding organs. A procedure called a gastropexy will also be performed, which is when the stomach is stitched to the inside of the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting again. After surgery, your dog will be monitored for several days for signs of infection, and antibiotics and medications may need to be given or prescribed before they can return home.

In Australia, the cost of preventative gastropexy surgery typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. If it is done as emergency surgery during a GDV incident, costs can be significantly higher, often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.