Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat)

This disease syndrome is one of a few absolute emergencies in veterinary medicine. It involves the stomach dilating and then flipping on itself. This causes gas and food to become trapped in the stomach and the stomach will continue to dilate. If a patient is not treated immediately, stomach rupture and death is inevitable. This is also referred to as "bloat".

While there is no specific cause of GDV, there are several risk factors known. Deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Boxers, and standard poodles are at an increased risk. Some animals have developed a GDV after eating a large meal.

These pets are in an enormous amount of pain as they try to unsuccessfully vomit their stomach contents. Their abdomen will appear bloated and they will go into shock very quickly. Collapse, weak pulses, and pale mucous membranes are signs of shock.

Treatment is immediate surgery after the patient has been stabilized rapidly with intravenous fluids. The stomach is usually decompressed while the patient is being stabilized by passing a stomach tube and releasing food and gas. In surgery, the stomach is untwisted and tacked to the body wall to prevent recurrence of this syndrome. The spleen and portions of the stomach are sometimes removed if they are too diseased from lack of blood flow.Patients with a previous GDV should be fed smaller meals throughout the day and not exercise before or after eating. These pets can do very well and live long lives if they are treated rapidly and the surgery is successful. If portions of the stomach or the spleen were removed, their prognosis is poor.