Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) in Dogs

GDV is a life-threatening condition in dogs. If you suspect your pup may be experiencing GDV, take him to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately.

What Is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)?

When GDV in dogs occurs, the stomach swells, usually with food and gas (dilatation), and twists on its axis (volvulus) in a way that the stomach contents can’t be passed into the intestines or vomited. The word “volvulus” is derived from the Latin word volvere, which means “to twist.”

This swelling and twisting poses significant risk to the stomach and can also affect other nearby systems and organs—including the spleen and the major blood vessels of the abdomen.

This can lead to arrhythmias, severe stress on the heart, shock, and death.

GDV technically differs from bloat in dogs. While bloat also causes the stomach to become distended, it doesn't twist on itself.

It’s possible for a dog to have bloat (of air or food) and not have GDV.

Often, bloat can be treated medically, whereas the treatment for GDV is almost always surgical.

GVD Symptoms

The first signs that a dog is experiencing GDV include:

• A progressively distended abdomen (or a dog may be lying down with a distended abdomen)

• Non-productive retching

• Excessive salivation

Affected dogs may also act like they’re in pain, such as having an arched back. They may also appear restless.

Additional symptoms of GDV in dogs include:

• Reluctance to engage in normal activity

• Decreased appetite

If symptoms are noted—especially in an at-risk breed—every minute counts. GDV in dogs is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

What Causes GDV?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single cause of GDV. However, there are many risk factors which could be contributing causes.

Any breed can be affected, but GDV is most common in the following breeds: 

• German Shepherd

• Great Dane

• Saint Bernard

• Weimaraner

• Standard Poodle

• Irish Setter

• Gordon Setter

• Basset Hound

Mixed breeds with deep chests or a family history of GDV are just as likely to develop the condition.

Male dogs are also at higher risk. Risk increases with age and underweight dogs, though it can also occur in young dogs.

Diet type and feeding schedule can also be a contributing factor for the development of GDV.

Factors include:

• Dogs that are fed larger volumes of food

• Pet parents offering their dog a diet that has higher fat or oil content

• Dogs that eat once daily

• Dogs that eat rapidly

• Dogs that eat from a raised food bowl

• Dogs that exercise after eating

Diagnosing GDV

Most vets will have a strong suspicion for GDV based on medical history and a physical exam, but an official diagnosis requires X-rays. A twisted stomach has a specific shape on X-ray that's easy to differentiate from bloat.

Blood work, blood pressure, and an EKG can help your veterinarian determine how severe the condition is and if there are other factors complicating treatment.

GDV in Dogs Treatment

Treatment for GDV in dogs is almost always surgical.

Your veterinarian’s first goal is to relieve stress on the heart with immediate, aggressive use of IV fluids, along with relief of the bloat. This often requires sedation and passing a tube down the esophagus to allow built-up gas to escape.

After initial stabilization, your dog will be put under anesthesia. Surgery will be performed to relieve remaining gas, untwist the stomach, and evaluate the abdomen for signs of permanent damage.

Severe cases may require resection (removal) of badly-affected stomach wall, intestine, and spleen.

The stomach is then tacked surgically to the wall of the abdomen to prevent GDV from happening again. This is known as a gastropexy, and it’s been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Recovery and Management of GVD in Dogs

After surgery, most dogs require hospitalization for pain medications, anti-nausea medications, and hydration.

The veterinary staff will also monitor your dog for complications that can occur in severely stressed body systems after surgery, such as arrhythmias (changes in heart rhythm) and blood clots.

Dogs are typically kept at the veterinary hospital for two to four days post-surgery.

Once sent home, dogs will rest for a few weeks as their organs heal. It’s important to feed your dog frequent small meals to avoid any recurrence.

How To Prevent GDV in Dogs

GDV in dogs is an emergency, but there are measures you can take to help prevent it. These include:

• Dogs should be fed multiple small meals in a day rather than one large meal.

• Consider using a puzzle feeder or mat to slow your dog down at mealtimes.

• Though once commonly recommended, elevated feeding bowls may increase the risk of GDV and should be avoided.

• Avoid athletic activities immediately after eating, particularly in at-risk breeds. Wait at least two hours after eating to play with your pup.

Gastropexy is also an essential part of preventing the recurrence of GDV.

As a preventative surgery, it can often be combined with a routine neuter or spay surgery when the pet is already under anesthesia. Vets will typically recommend a preventative gastropexy procedure for at-risk dogs or those with familial occurrences.

Consult with your veterinarian about whether this procedure is advised for your specific dog.