What is a GDV?

A Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (or GDV) is a type of severe, rapidly life threatening emergency commonly referred to as "bloat". There are two forms of bloat seen.

The first is referred to as a "simple bloat". In this condition the stomach severely over fills (dilates) with ingesta, fluid and/or gas to the extent that the entire abdomen expands and the stomach presses on the large blood vessels to the back half of the body(the aorta and the caudal vena cava).

The GDV starts as a simple bloat, but the stomach then rotates on its long axis (volvulus). The volvulus effectively closes off the esophagus and the small intestine so there is no means for gas, fluid or ingesta to get out. This expansion stretches the stomach wall and those structures attached to the stomach to the extent that the blood vessels pinch off or tear. The tissues served by these vessels die for lack of nutrients or bleeding can result.

Because the stomach is so large, blood from the back half of the body cannot return to the heart. The front half of the body develops a circulatory volume deficit. The result is severe shock. These conditions will kill a dog in a few hours.

The most common symptoms seen by owners are a rapidly expanding and very painful abdomen, extremely rapid onset of weakness and depression, and nonproductive retching.

Treatment for bloats must be extremely aggressive and rapid. IV fluids and drugs are given to treat the shock, pain and cardiac arrhythmias (if present). The stomach is decompressed and emergency surgery performed to derotate, inspect and pexy the stomach, (attach it to the body wall to prevent a volvulus). Most dogs are kept in intensive care for several days after surgery, many with severe cardiac arrhythmias.

Bloats are seen in all breeds of dogs, but some breeds are over-represented, such as the Great Dane. In general, large breed dogs with a slender, deep chested build are most at risk. Other risk factors include feeding only one large meal a day and having a nervous disposition. Many owners elect to have the stomach pexied at the time of spay or neuter if their dog has an above average risk.

The bloat is sometimes referred to as "The Mother of All Emergencies" due to its rapidity of onset, life threatening nature, and the level and speed of aggressive treatment required. When a bloat is suspected, an immediate visit to a veterinarian is demanded. This is not a problem that can wait until morning.

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