Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is one of the most serious and life-threatening emergencies in dogs. Understanding the signs and seeking veterinary care without delay can make all the difference for your pet. If left untreated, this condition can become rapidly fatal.

What is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus?

Gastric Dilatation is a condition in which the dog’s stomach expands with air or "dilates" but remains in the same position. This may be uncomfortable for your dog and he may display signs such as panting, restlessness, and abdominal distention. This condition is often seen in adult dogs or puppies that eat a meal rapidly. With time, this condition may resolve on its own and only requires medical treatment if the above signs persist or worsen.

Gastric Dilatation can become life-threatening when it turns into a Volvulus (GDV). This happens when the dilated stomach twists on itself. This leads to further stomach dilation, lack of good blood flow or perfusion to the rest of the body, and eventual circulatory shock. Often the spleen also twists with the stomach and can lead to blood loss and further complications.

What causes GDV?

There are several known predisposing causes of this condition. These causes have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing GDV:

1. Age
   Large breed dogs (greater than 99 lbs) over the age of 5 years and giant breed dogs (greater than 99 lbs) over the age of 3 years are at the highest risk.
2. Breed
   The following breeds are most frequently affected:
   
   • German Shepherd Dog
   • Great Dane
   • Doberman Pinscher
   • Saint Bernard
   • Standard Poodle
   • Irish Setter
   • Bouvier
   • Wolfhound
   • Old English Sheepdog
   • Akita
   • Mastiff
3. Eating Habits
   GDV is seen more often in dogs fed one large meal daily. Feeding from elevated food bowls, previously thought to decrease risk, increases risk. Dogs that eat rapidly may also be at increased risk, possibly due to swallowing air while eating.
4. Physical Traits
   Deep and narrow chest conformation is a risk factor.
5. Stressful situations
   Dogs that experience a stressful situation such as boarding are at a greater risk. Also dogs that have an anxious or fearful temperament are more likely to develop the condition.
6. Hereditary Factors
   Dogs that have a first degree relative that has experienced GDV have a greater chance of being affected. Also dogs with an inherited condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) are more likely to develop GDV.

What are the signs of GDV?

The signs of GDV depend on the stage of the condition. Early on dogs may show discomfort, restlessness, panting, drooling, and unproductive vomiting (retching). As the stomach continues to expand and other internal organs are affected, signs will include abdominal distention, pain, pale gums, weakness, and collapse.

Is this condition serious?

GDV is one of the most serious and life threatening emergencies your dog can experience and you should seek veterinary care immediately. You should expect your veterinarian to take a right-sided abdominal x-ray initially to determine if your pet’s stomach is just distended (gastric dilatation) or is also twisted (gastric dilatation and volvulus). Other necessary tests include blood tests, ECG (to evaluate the heart rhythm), blood pressure, and blood clotting evaluation.

What is the treatment for GDV?

Once your dog is diagnosed with GDV, your veterinarian will prescribe a variety of treatments in preparation for surgery. A large volume of intravenous fluids will be administered to improve blood pressure. If blood pressure does not respond to the fluids or if your dog is diagnosed with a clotting problem, additional fluids (starch containing fluids or plasma) will be used. Pain medications and antibiotics are also indicated. Ultimately, abdominal surgery will be necessary to reposition the stomach, suture the stomach in a fixed position (called a gastropexy) and possibly remove the spleen if it shows signs of damage.

What is the prognosis for GDV?

There are several studies looking at the survival in dogs after experiencing GDV. In general, dogs that do not receive surgery, that is if the stomach deflates or untwists, either on its own or with medical management, will have a 70% chance of the condition recurring. In cases where the condition cannot be corrected medically, the prognosis is grave with a death rate of 100% without surgery. In cases where surgery is performed early in the course of GDV, survival rates are reported between 80-90%. There are several factors that can influence the success rate of GDV treatment in your dog. Conditions that are reported to be associated with poor outcomes include:

• necrotic (dead) areas of the stomach found at surgery
• development of abnormal heart rhythm
• problems in blood clotting

Can I prevent GDV in my dog?

There are several preventive measures you can take to decrease your dog’s chance of developing GDV. For breeds at high risk, your veterinarian can perform a gastropexy, a surgical repositioning and stabilization of the stomach, at a young age. Often this can be done at the time of spay or neutering. Avoiding risk factors is another way to decrease the chances of developing the condition. Recommendations include:

• avoid stressful situations such as boarding
• do not use elevated food bowls
• do not exercise one hour prior to and after eating
• feed a high quality diet
• do not feed a single large meal daily
• avoid rapid and excessive water drinking, especially around mealtimes

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.