Canine Gastric Dilation and Volvulus, also called bloat is an emergency condition in which the stomach fills with gas and then twists.
Gastric dilation and volvulus, also known as bloat, is a serious life-threatening condition that is fatal if left untreated. GDV occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas and then twists around itself, so the pylorus, or lower portion of the stomach, ends up lying alongside the left body wall. The voluvus, or twist is thought to be a result of the distended stomach, so it is possible to have gastric dilation without volvulus.
GDV is most commonly seen in older large deep-chested dogs such as:Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Weimareiners, St. Bernards, and German Shepherds. However, it also occasionally occurs in smaller breeds and sometimes has been seen in puppies and young dogs.
There is no definite known cause of bloat; it is suspected to be caused by over-eating, drinking large amounts of water, or exercise after eating or drinking large quantities. It may also be caused by a genetic factor, which results in weaker ligaments that hold the stomach in place.
GDV affects the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Severe gastric distention causes a constriction of the blood vessels in the abdomen, reducing blood flow to the heart. This compromises the body’s other organs, and causes the animal to go into shock. The distended stomach also puts pressure on the diaphragm making breathing for the dog more difficult.
Symptoms of GDV are non-specific and can vary widely from dog to dog. They may include:
- Restlessness/anxiousness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Retching or dry heaves
- Distended abdomen
- Groaning
- Rapid or difficulty breathing
As GDV progresses the animal begins to go into shock as its system shuts down. Some later symptoms include:
- Cool extremeties
- Pale mucus membranes and a prolonged CRT
- Arrythmias
- Low blood pressure
- Death
GDV is diagnosed with abdominal radiographs showing a distended stomach that has a shelf or “c” shape. The only treatment for gdv is surgical, if left untreated GDV is fatal. Once the owner has made the decision to treat GDV, the veterinary team moves quickly to begin treatment and prepping the patient for surgery. Blood tests are run to help determine organ function and blood clotting abilities. An iv catheter is placed and fluids are started to help support the dog’s system and increase blood pressure. Pain-medications are given if they have not already been, and the dog’s stomach is trocharized. This involves placing a large needle or catheter through the body wall and into the stomach to relieve distention and may need to be repeated several times before surgery.
In surgery the doctor decompresses the stomach and then untwists and repositions it. The other abdominal organs are evaluated for damage, and the spleen and parts of the intestines may be removed at this time. If the damage to the organs is extreme, the veterinarian may recommend euthanizing the dog on the table. After the stomach is back in its proper position, the doctor sews it to the body wall to prevent it from re-twisting in the future. This will prevent the stomach from twisting in the future if it becomes distended with gas.
After surgery it is very important that the dog is monitored intensively due to the high potential for complications. The dog may need to be hospitalized for several days on iv fluids and pain medications as well as treating any symptoms or secondary problems that arise. Common post-op complications include: clotting abnormalities, a loss or organ function and cardiac arrythmias.
There is no sure way to prevent GDV, but one thing dog owners of high-risk breeds should consider is prophylactic gastroplexy, which involves tacking the stomach to the body wall to prevent it from re-twisting in the future.
As scary a situation as GDV can be, up to 85% of dogs that are surgically treated, recover well and go on to live normal healthy, happy lives.
