A gastropexy is performed before the surgery is complete to permanently affix the stomach to the abdominal wall in the correct position. Lack of blood flow can damage certain organs, requiring removal of the spleen or part of the stomach. During surgery, the stomach is returned to the proper location, and all abdominal organs are evaluated for signs of damage. An experienced veterinary team will assess the patient’s status and proceed with surgery only when the dog is as stable as possible for the procedure. General anesthesia is dangerous for a dog in an unstable condition. This can help to relieve the pressure build-up in the abdomen to stabilize a dog with GDV. The stomach is often decompressed by passing a catheter into the stomach through the side of the abdomen, or by passing a large tube into the stomach through the mouth. How is gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs treated?Ī dog suffering from GDV will first need stabilization through the administration of intravenous fluids and pain medications. Bloodwork and urinalysis are useful to determine disease progression, and an electrocardiogram may be necessary to check for a cardiac arrhythmia. Abdominal X-rays can definitively diagnose the condition. How is gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs diagnosed?Ī GDV diagnosis will be suspected based on a dog’s history and their symptoms. If your dog is displaying any suspicious signs, take them to your family veterinarian immediately, or to the Avets emergency service immediately for evaluation.

Without prompt veterinary intervention, damage to the stomach and vital organs, abnormal heart rhythms, serious infection, and death can occur. Your dog can go into shock in less than two hours from the onset of symptoms. As the condition progresses, their abdomen will become distended, their heart and respiratory rates will increase, and they may become weak or collapse. In the initial GDV stages, dogs will exhibit signs of generalized abdominal pain, including looking at their abdomen anxiously, stretching, drooling, and unproductive retching. The classic signs of GDV include non-productive retching (i.e., trying to vomit), and distention of the abdomen. What are the signs of gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs? Also, dogs fed diets containing oils or fats in the first four ingredients are four times as likely to be affected by GDV. Other factors that increase a dog’s risk of GDV development include stress, eating too fast, hyperactivity, receiving only one meal a day, and ingesting foreign material. The condition seems genetic, and affected animals should not be bred. Males are twice as likely to bloat as females. GDV affects all breeds, but the condition is more commonly seen in giant- and large-breed dogs with deep chests, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Doberman pinschers, and weimaraners. The actual cause of GDV is not well understood. Is my dog at risk for gastric dilatation volvulus? Shock sets in as the blood flow throughout your dog’s body decreases. As the stomach dilates, rotation can occur in the abdomen, compromising the blood supply to the spleen and pancreas. Excessive pressure in the stomach can lead to decreased blood return from the abdomen to the heart, blockage of blood flow to the stomach lining, stomach rupture, and obstruction of lung movement. GDV occurs in dogs when the stomach twists on itself, allowing gas and fluid to build up and cause distention (i.e., bloating or swelling in the belly area). What is gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs? If you suspect your dog is suffering from GDV, our experienced emergency veterinarians at Avets are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, to provide acute care and emergency surgery. Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency veterinary attention. When your dog is affected by bloat, the situation can be very different. After a large, heavy meal, you may feel bloated and ready for a nap.

Signs of internal trauma in dogs