Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: Large, Deep-Chested Breeds (Great Dane, St. Bernard, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, etc.)

Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and fluid (dilatation) and then twists upon itself (volvulus), cutting off its own blood supply and trapping contents. This leads to rapid onset shock. It most often affects large, deep-chested breeds and can be triggered by factors like eating a large meal followed by exercise, gulping food/air, or stress. Without immediate treatment, GDV is usually fatal.

• Signs come on suddenly. The dog’s abdomen becomes distended (bloated) and firm to the touch – often most noticeable behind the ribcage on the left side. The dog may retch unproductively (trying to vomit but nothing comes up except maybe foamy saliva). Drooling and panting are common due to pain and nausea. Affected dogs appear extremely restless or anxious
• may pace or have difficulty getting comfortable
• and often have an arched back or look at their abdomen. As shock sets in
• gums turn pale
• the heart rate rises
• and pulses weaken. Eventually
• the dog may collapse.

Emergency treatment is required. The goals are to stabilize the dog, decompress the stomach, and surgically correct the twist. Upon arrival, the vet will immediately start shock therapy – IV fluids to counteract shock and maybe pain medications. The stomach is then decompressed either by passing a tube down to release gas or, if twisted and tube can’t pass, by inserting a large needle through the abdomen into the stomach to relieve pressure. Once stabilized, the dog undergoes surgery to untwist the stomach and assess any damage. The surgeon will also perform a gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) to prevent future torsion. Post-op intensive care is needed (fluids, monitoring for arrhythmias). If treated in time, many dogs survive GDV; prognosis worsens the longer the stomach is twisted.

Emergency medications address shock and pain. Aggressive IV crystalloids (and sometimes colloids) are given to restore blood pressure. Pain relief (usually opioids like morphine or hydromorphone) is administered early to improve the dog’s comfort and help with stabilization. Lidocaine may be given IV as well to help prevent or treat heart arrhythmias. Definitive correction is surgical – during and after surgery, the dog may receive antibiotics and continued fluids. Postoperatively, medications like prokinetics (metoclopramide) might be used, and prophylactic gastropexy is recommended for at-risk dogs.