Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus - Bloated, Twisted Stomach in Dogs

GDV is a true canine emergency - it requires immediate veterinary attention and can be fatal even with treatment.

In GDV, the dog's stomach first becomes enlarged and bloated (= dilatation) and later can twist on itself (= volvulus). It is therefore very important to catch cases early, since if veterinary attention can be given prior to or soon after volvulus, the chances of the dog surviving are great increased.

Dilatation and volvulus of a dog's stomach causes both extreme pain and dangerous consequences. The greatly enlarged stomach puts abnormal pressure on other organs and blood vessels, causing them to become compressed. Blood vessel compression reduces the blood supply to vital organs, further damaging them, and also affects the heart, which can no longer pump blood efficiently. Fluids are retained in the stomach, upsetting the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. This can also affect the heart, causing irregularities in the heart beat. The effects of the gastric dilatation on the heart ultimately cause death.

Most cases of GDV occur just after the dog has eaten, particularly if it was a large meal or the dog became overexcited or stressed and ate too quickly, or if the dog exercises just after eating. Always keep an eye on your dog after eating, and encourage him or her to rest quietly after a meal so that it can be digested.

Fortunately, GDV can be recognized early if you are aware of the signs. Remember, catching GDV early greatly increases the chances that your dog will survive.

Key signs to be aware of:

- Signs typically occur just after a meal.

- The dog will show extreme pain in the abdomen, and will often stand with its limbs spread out to try to relieve the pressure.

- The abdomen will appear swollen.

- The dog will often belch and retch as it attempts to relieve the gas and fluids in the stomach.

- Dogs will often salivate and have an increased breathing and heart rate.

- Dogs gradually become weaker, appearing lethargic, and eventually collapse.

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Dogs that are deep-chested are at a higher risk of GDV. This means dogs whose body shape is like the dog above, for example Boxers, which have a wide chest and then a narrow 'waist' and abdomen. Other risk factors are:

- Stress
- Eating a large volume of food or water
- Exercising too soon after eating

Dogs with suspected GDV MUST receive immediate veterinary attention. Your vet will aim to correct the dog's fluid and electrolyte balance, stabilize its heart and breathing, relieve the bloating and reverse the twisting.

First, xrays can be used to confirm the diagnosis of GDV, as the twisted stomach can be clearly seen. Your veterinarian will give your dog fluids, and then decompress its stomach. This can be done via a tube through the mouth and down the throat, a needle through the abdominal wall or at surgery.

Surgery will then be carried out to completely relieve the bloat and reposition the stomach after it has been untwisted. The stomach can be permanently attached to the body wall to prevent recurrence. If this is not done, the condition is likely to recur.

If your dog is large and deep-chested, he or she is at increased risk of GDV, and prevention is especially important. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of GDV happening to your dog:

- Feed your dog several small meals a day, rather than one single large meal. GDV is often associated with eating a large meal. Get in a routine, so your dog knows what to expect throughout the day and does not become overexcited when food is offered!

- Give your dog a ready supply of water, so he or she drinks little and often rather than gorging. Give water after exercise, but do not allow your dog to drink excessively - again, little and often is best.

- Do not allow your dog to exercise immediately after eating. A stomach full of food is more likely to twist from the movements of exercise, and exercise prevents good digestion. Wait at least 60-90 minutes before allowing your dog to exercise after eating.

- Finally, always keep an eye on your dog and notice his or her behavior - if you see any possible symptoms of GDV, seek veterinary attention immediately!

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Dr. Lindsey Wedemeyer is a graduate of Cambridge University veterinary school in the UK. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and runs New York Veterinary Acupuncture Service, a house call practice offering acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-na (medical massage) and food therapy for dogs and horses in New York's Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties and Manhattan. Find out more at New York Veterinary Acupuncture Service.