Dogs Twisted Stomach: What You Need to Know About GDV

GDV is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. It's also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus.

This condition occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, causing it to twist and cut off blood flow. The stomach can then become severely distended, leading to shock and organ failure.

Dogs that are prone to GDV are typically large or deep-chested breeds, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds.

Dogs can twist their stomach at any age, but middle-aged dogs are most likely to experience this condition. The risk increases by 20% each year of age.

Bloat can occur in any breed of dog, but large breeds with deep chests are more prone to it, especially Great Danes who are 5 to 8 times more likely to bloat than other breeds.

Eating quickly, overeating, and drinking a large amount of water in a short period of time can all contribute to bloat. Raised food bowls can also increase the risk.

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Stress, genetic factors, and increased age can also play a role in bloat. Dogs that exercise after eating are also more likely to experience bloat.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of bloat:

A gastropexy, a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the body wall, can also help prevent bloat. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically and is often done at the time of neuter or spay.

Signs of a twisted stomach in dogs can be subtle, but knowing what to look for can save their life. A swollen or distended abdomen is a common sign, which can be especially noticeable if your dog's tummy is tucked up under their ribcage.

The most obvious sign is non-productive vomiting, where your dog will retch as if they need to vomit, but nothing will come out. This is because the stomach has twisted, and your dog feels like they have to vomit, but can't.

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Restlessness, pacing, and panting are also common signs, as your dog will become uncomfortable and agitated due to the twisting of their stomach. Excessive drooling is another sign to look out for, as your dog's body will try to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

A weak pulse and shock can occur as the dog becomes closer to death, but this is often a sign that the condition has progressed too far. Your dog may also experience difficulty breathing, pale gums, and collapse.

Here are some key signs to watch out for:

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Symptoms often develop quickly, and getting treatment as soon as possible is crucial for your dog's survival.

Treatment for a twisted stomach, also known as GDV, is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Surgery is the only way to treat GDV, and the survival rate is between 60 and 70%.

The veterinary team will run bloodwork, give fluids to reduce shock, and take x-rays if the dog is stable. They will also perform stomach decompression to let the air out. The surgery, called gastropexy, will untwist the stomach and suture the stomach so that GDV will not reoccur.

After surgery, the dog needs to be monitored for at least 48 hours to make sure it is stable. Many of these dogs can have complications post-surgery, including heart arrhythmias from the shock, ulceration or perforation from the stomach twisting, and liver and pancreas damage from the swelling.

Post-Surgery Care

The dog will likely need to stay hospitalized for a day or two after surgery to be monitored for further bloating and possible complications such as peritonitis (infection inside the abdomen). Once the dog is home, you'll need to continue monitoring them for any symptoms of recurring bloat or infection, including retching, unproductive vomiting, reduced appetite, high temperature, restlessness, and collapse.

Preventing GDV

Giant breeds and other at-risk breeds can have a preventive gastropexy performed, which has a 95% success rate in preventing the recurrence of GDV. This procedure can be done at the time of neutering or on its own, and it's recommended to do so rather than risking an expensive emergency surgery with an already compromised pet.

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Treatment is crucial for dogs with GDV, and prompt action can greatly improve their chances of survival. The sooner a dog receives veterinary care, the better their prognosis.

Surgery is the only way to treat GDV, and it should be performed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The veterinary team will run bloodwork, give fluids to reduce shock, and take x-rays to assess the extent of the damage.

A gastropexy, which involves suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall, is often performed during surgery to prevent future twisting of the stomach. This procedure is highly effective, with a success rate of 95% in preventing recurrence of GDV.

In some cases, dogs may not be good candidates for surgery, and euthanasia may be the most humane option. However, with prompt treatment and surgery, up to 80% of dogs can survive.

Here are some key steps involved in treating GDV:

Treatment for a GDV can become very expensive.

Consider taking out dog insurance as soon as you bring your dog home to have some financial support if they ever become unwell.

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GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs. It's a painful emergency that requires urgent surgery to correct.

The stomach fills with gas, triggering a simple gastric dilatation or "bloating." This can progress into a volvulus, where the gas-filled stomach twists to block both the entrance and exit of the stomach. Unfortunately, this becomes a life-threatening emergency.

A GDV can occur at any age, but the risk increases 20% per each year of age. Research from Purdue University found that this age-related risk is a significant factor in the development of GDV.

Large breed dogs with deep chests are more prone to GDV. According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes are 5 to 8 times more likely to bloat than a dog with a low height to width ratio.

Some common symptoms of a GDV include retching, restlessness, bloating, painful abdomen, and excessive drooling. If your dog is developing symptoms of a GDV, contact your vet immediately.

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Here are some risk factors that may contribute to GDV:

Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of bloat. Some strategies that are currently recommended are:

A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can help prevent GDV by attaching the stomach to the body wall. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically and is often recommended for large breed dogs.

Preventing GDV is a crucial aspect of keeping your furry friend safe. Feeding smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the risk of bloat.

Restricting exercise for 1-2 hours after meal time is also a good idea. This can help prevent the stomach from twisting.

Avoid using a raised food bowl, as it can increase the risk of GDV. Instead, try feeding your dog from the floor.

It's essential to monitor your dog's drinking habits and encourage them to drink little and often, rather than guzzling large amounts of water at once. This can help prevent the stomach from expanding too quickly.

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If your dog eats quickly, consider using a slow feeding bowl or scatter feeding to slow them down. Separating your dogs during meal times can also help prevent them from racing to finish their food.

Here are some specific tips to help prevent GDV:

A gastropexy, a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the body wall, can also help prevent GDV, especially in high-risk breeds. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically and is often done at the time of neuter or spay.