Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus - A Very Serious Emergency

By Katherine Tucker-Mohl, DVM
Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

Many pet owners have heard of the term "bloat," but few may be aware of the extremely life-threatening nature of this problem. Bloat, also referred to as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is one of the most serious conditions that can develop in pets. It's the ultimate emergency; GDV is fatal if untreated, and a dog can die from shock within hours if surgery is not performed quickly. Bloat is most common in large and giant breed dogs. Based on a study performed by Dr. Glickman and colleagues at Purdue University, large (50"“99 lbs.) and giant breed dogs (>100 lbs.) have a 1-in-5 chance of developing GDV in their lifetime.

The highest incidence is seen in Great Danes, which have a 42% chance of developing GDV. Other breeds include Rottweilers, Weimaraners, and Standard Poodles. Although it's most often seen in large and giant breed dogs, it has also been reported in Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Shih-Tzus. Most dogs are older when they develop GDV, but it has been seen in puppies as young as 3"“4 months old. Many studies have tried to determine the underlying cause(s) of GDV. While no clear causal factor has been determined, there are several factors that may increase the risk.

These include having a first-degree relative that has had GDV (siblings, parents, or offspring), rapid eating, and eating from a raised food bowl. There are a number of symptoms associated with GDV. Most commonly owners will report that their dog is restless and uncomfortable. The dog may unsuccessfully try to vomit ("nonproductive retching") and a visible distension of the abdomen may be noted. Not every pet demonstrates these classic signs and may, instead, just seem reclusive or withdrawn; so contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect the possibility of GDV.

During GDV, the dog's stomach twists on itself, trapping gas within the stomach. The stomach becomes progressively more distended as gas accumulates and is unable to exit. This is extremely painful, and if left untreated, it will have disastrous consequences for the dog.

The twisted and bloated stomach shuts off its own blood supply as well as interfering with the flow of blood returning to the heart from the back half of the body. In only a short period of time, the stomach wall can die due to the lack of blood supply. Prompt treatment (pain control, decompression of the stomach, treatment for shock, and emergency surgery) is essential for a pet to survive GDV. How can a pet owner prevent this condition from occurring in his or her pet?

The best option is a surgical procedure called a prophylactic gastropexy. This procedure permanently attaches the stomach to the body wall, preventing it from twisting. Considering that 15 - 33% of pets may die from a GDV despite emergency surgery, a prophylactic gastropexy could save your pet's life.

This procedure is often performed at the time of spay or neuter surgery for high-risk breeds, but it can be performed at any time in a dog's life. A gastropexy is always performed when a dog is taken to surgery for correction of GDV to minimize the chance of recurrence. Many hospitals offer a minimally invasive gastropexy using laparoscopy. The incisions for a laparoscopic gastropexy are much smaller than the traditional approach, resulting in a shorter recovery time and less discomfort.

It's also helpful to be prepared for an emergency of any kind, GDV included, with the phone number and address of a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. The faster the condition is diagnosed and stabilization is started, the better the chance of survival.

For more information: www.wheatridgeanimal.com