How to Spot, Treat and Prevent Gastric Dilation and Volvulus in Dogs
Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV), sometimes called stomach twisting, is a condition that can affect pet dogs. It’s extremely painful and can be fatal if not treated right away. However, with prompt veterinary attention, and 80 percent of pets with this condition will survive. Many dog owners don't know about the condition, but knowing what the signs of GDV are and how to treat it can help you save your canine companion in an emergency.
What Is GDV?
GDV is when the stomach of an animal (it’s not exclusively a canine condition) twists (180 degrees) or flips (360 degrees) on itself. It happens when gas, fluid, or food causes the stomach to swell, which prevents the contents from escaping. GDV can also cut off blood flow to the stomach and other internal organs, like the spleen. This, in turn, can result in cardiac stress and hinder breathing. The stomach will not untwist on its own, so the condition is fatal if left untreated.
Symptoms of GDV
Bloating or distortion of the stomach is a precursor to GDV and is usually the first symptom. Although there are other reasons for bloating in dogs, it’s impossible to distinguish the point at which the stomach flips yourself. The other causes of bloating, such as infection or cancer, are also serious and need immediate veterinary attention. Anytime you notice your dog’s stomach bloating, it is a good idea to take your pet in for an urgent health check.
Other indications your dog may have GDV include:
- Discomfort and agitation
- Retching white foam
- Pale gums
- Weak pulse or quickened heart rate
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy or collapse
- Shock
Treating this GDV
After arriving at the clinic, your dog will immediately be treated for pain so the vet can perform a thorough examination without causing further distress. This is done via an injection or a medicated drip. If the animal is in shock, fluids will be administered. Further relief will then be provided by releasing the trapped stomach gas. This is accomplished by inserting a tube through the mouth and into the stomach or making a small insertion with a needle directly into the stomach.
Your vet will confirm the diagnosis by taking an x-ray. Depending on your pet's condition, the doctor may recommend surgery to open the animal with an incision and untwist the stomach manually. The vet will also check the surrounding organs for damage and remove any damaged or dead tissue. Gastropexy is generally performed at the same time. This is when the stomach is sewn to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting again.
You will need to monitor your pup for several days after the operation. The known side effects of GDV surgery include irregular heartbeat and blood clots. Your vet will also check for infection, abnormal liver and pancreatic function, and stomach ulcers.
GDV surgery is long and difficult. It’s not like a quick neuter or abscess drain. If your dog is elderly or has other health conditions, the vet may advise against surgery. The doctor needs to consider the odds the dog can survive surgery as well as their quality-of-life afterwards. It's also possible that during surgery, it will become apparent that the condition has caused too much damage to the internal organs. In these cases, euthanasia is the only option.
Causes and Prevention of GDV
Unfortunately, we don’t know the exact causes of GDV. Deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Weimaraners seem to be predisposed to GDV. It's possible this is because there is more room for the stomach to twist. Large, older male dogs also seem to be most at risk. But it has also been observed in females and older, small-breed dogs, albeit less frequently.
Current thinking is that the condition is linked to diet and exercise. Vets advise the following prevention tips:
Avoid large meals – feed your dog smaller meals twice a day than a single big one.
Don’t permit guzzling - slow your dog’s consumption with puzzle feeders or other techniques.
Restrict water intake - make sure your dog drinks reasonable amounts at a time, especially after meals.
Don’t raise feeding bowls - place bowls on the floor when feeding. (Previously, elevated bowls were advised, but this has been shown to increase the odds of GDV.)
Avoid exercise after eating - don’t let your dog be too active for at least 60 minutes before and after feeding.
Prevent blockages - bones, corn cobs, and foreign objects like swallowed toys can block the stomach, trapping the contents.
A preventative gastropexy will stop the stomach twisting with a 90 percent success rate. It is often performed concurrently with spaying or neutering. The procedure is recommended for breeds that have a predisposition to GDV.
Remember, GDV is always an emergency. If you suspect your dog’s stomach has twisted, get it to a vet immediately.