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Gastric dilatation-volvulus

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition that mainly affects large and deep dogs. It involves excessive distension of the stomach by gas or food, which can cause the stomach to rotate on its own axis. This prevents normal blood flow to the stomach and other organs and can lead to serious complications such as shock, heart failure and peritonitis.

Causes and risk factors

The exact causes of GDV are not known, but there are some factors that can increase the risk. These include:

  • Eating large amounts of food or air at once
  • Eating fermentable or swelling food
  • Drinking a lot of water after eating
  • Engaging in physical activity shortly before or after eating
  • The presence of a hereditary predisposition or an anatomical abnormality of the stomach
  • The age, sex and breed of the dog. GDV is more common in older, male and large dogs, such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, Rottweilers, Weimaraners and others.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of GDV can appear very suddenly and worsen quickly. The most common signs include:

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should see a vet immediately as every minute counts. The vet will perform a physical examination and take an X-ray of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment for GDV requires immediate veterinary care and often emergency surgery. The veterinarian will attempt to relieve the pressure in the stomach by inserting a tube through the esophagus or sticking a needle through the abdominal wall. He will then give the dog fluids, painkillers and antibiotics to combat the shock and prevent infection. If the stomach is twisted, it will need to be surgically repositioned to its normal position. Sometimes part of the stomach or spleen may also need to be removed if it is too badly damaged. To prevent recurrence of GDV, the vet can stitch the stomach to the abdominal wall (gastropexy).

The prognosis for dogs with GDV depends on several factors, such as the severity of the disease, the timing of treatment, the presence of complications and the general health of the dog. The mortality rate is between 10% and 60%. The earlier treatment is given, the better the chances of a full recovery.

Prevention

Although GDV is not always preventable, there are some measures you can take to reduce your dog's risk. These include:

  • Feeding your dog several small meals a day instead of one large one
  • Avoiding foods that can produce a lot of air or gas
  • Providing fresh water for your dog, but limiting water intake after eating
  • Avoiding physical exertion or stress just before or after eating
  • Checking your dog's family history for GDV and discussing the possibility of a preventative gastropexy with your vet if your dog is a high-risk breed

GDV is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect any dog, but especially large and deep dogs. If you recognize the symptoms of GDV in your dog, you should waste no time and seek veterinary care immediately. With prompt and appropriate treatment, you can increase your dog's chances of survival and give them a long and happy life.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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