GDV

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is an acute life-threatening condition that occurs in dogs. Characterized by a distended gas-filled stomach (dilatation) that has flipped over in the abdomen (volvulus), GDV must be corrected surgically for the dog to survive. Although GDV is commonly referred to as bloat, there are several other reasons a dog could have a bloated abdomen. Radiographs are the best way to confirm or rule out GDV.

It is unclear whether the stomach gets distended first and then flips OR the stomach rotates first and then fills with gas. The effects on the dog's body are the same. The abdominal distension puts pressure on the diaphragm making it difficult for the dog to breathe. The rotation of the stomach constricts blood vessels in and around the stomach, inhibiting blood flow back to the dog's heart. Healthy dogs will collapse in shock within hours of the onset of this disease.

GDV occurs most frequently in large breed dogs with deep chests like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Gordon and Irish Setters, Dobermans, Weimaraners, St Bernard's and Standard Poodles. However, all dogs can be at risk. Despite having a different conformation from the breeds mentioned above, Bassett Hounds are high on list of usual suspects.

The first signs an owner sees are behavioral. The dog is restless and can't seem to get comfortable when laying down. The dog keeps trying unsuccessfully to vomit and may drool profusely. As the condition progresses, the owner will see distension in the upper abdomen and difficulty breathing. In a matter of hours, these pets collapse from shock due to the restricted blood flow. If you suspect your dog may be showing signs of GDV, please take him or her to the nearest veterinary emergency room as soon as possible!

Successful treatment of GDV is very time sensitive. Without immediate intervention, GDV is fatal. Even with aggressive treatment and surgery, 15-20% of these patients will die. The mortality rate increases as high as 38% in the presence of cardiac arrythmias or damage to stomach tissue and nearby organs. All these patients require stabilization before surgery using IV fluids and medications to reverse shock. Afterwards, most of these dogs spend two or more days in hospital, so treatment is very expensive. As I mentioned before, a small percentage of these dogs will die despite aggressive treatment.

What can a diligent dog owner do to try to avoid this? Studies have shown that certain factors increase the risk of GDV. The breeds listed above are predisposed to GDV because of their deep chests. Other factors that increase the risk of GDV include:

a. Feeding only one large meal a day

b. Family history of GDV

c. Rapid eating

d. Thin or underweight dogs

e. Fearful, anxious or nervous dogs

f. History of aggression towards people or other animals

g. Dry food only diets

h. Old Age (over 7 years old)

Some of these contributing factors are beyond anyone's control, like your dog's family history or age or body type.

Other factors can be adjusted to reduce the risk. Divide your dog's daily allotment of food into 2 or 3 smaller meals. Temperamentally, fear and aggression are extreme reactions to the world. Owners may be able to moderate their dog's behavior with special training or handling. In homes with multiple dogs, reduce stress at mealtimes by spacing the dogs far apart so they don't feel the need to compete or guard their food. Get rapid eaters to slow down with specially designed bowls.

Unfortunately, elevated feedings stations have been mentioned in some studies as a possible contributing factor.

None of these suggestions guarantee you will avoid this situation with your dog, but they may help. Just remember, if you see signs that may indicate a pending GDV, take your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic and let the ER veterinarian determine if it's truly a GDV.