Bloat and GDV in Dogs: Recognise It, Act Fast
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — commonly called bloat — is one of the most time-critical emergencies in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas, then rotates on its axis. The rotation traps everything inside, cuts off blood supply to the stomach and spleen, and triggers a cascade of shock. Without emergency surgery, survival is near zero. With prompt surgery, 70–80 % of dogs survive.
Which Dogs Are at Risk?
Large, deep-chested breeds carry the highest risk:
- Great Danes (~40 % lifetime risk)
- Irish Setters, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles
- German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Boxers
- Golden Retrievers and Labradors — lower but real risk
Risk factors: eating one large meal daily, eating rapidly, intense exercise immediately after meals, stress, family history of GDV.
Symptoms — Minutes Matter
- Visibly swollen, distended abdomen — tight as a drum, often on the left side
- Repeated unproductive retching — the dog heaves and gags but cannot vomit. This is the most diagnostic sign.
- Excessive drooling
- Extreme restlessness rapidly progressing to weakness and collapse
- Pale or white gums — a shock sign requiring immediate attention
- Hunched posture, reluctance to move
Treatment
X-ray confirms diagnosis (the classic "double bubble" sign of GDV). Stabilisation: IV fluids, gastric decompression via tube or trocar. Then emergency surgery: stomach repositioned and permanently tacked to the body wall (gastropexy) to prevent recurrence. The spleen is removed if necrotic.
Prophylactic Gastropexy
High-risk breeds can have a prophylactic gastropexy performed — often at the time of neutering. It permanently tacks the stomach so it cannot rotate. It doesn't prevent gas accumulation (simple bloat) but prevents the deadly volvulus. For Great Danes, the evidence strongly supports prophylactic gastropexy.
Everyday Prevention
- Feed 2–3 smaller meals instead of one large daily meal
- Use a slow-feeder bowl or snuffle mat
- No vigorous exercise for 1–2 hours before and after eating
- Manage stress around feeding time
Mark your dog's breed and GDV risk status in Purzi. In a 2 AM emergency, having that information already documented — along with your emergency vet's number — matters when panic is running high.