Potential Emergency Situation: Need to go to vet
  • SYSTEM(S) EFFECTED:
    		•  Digestive
  • CAUSE(S):
    		• Twisting of the stomach in dogs
  • TREATMENT:
    		• Surgery
    		• Potentially fatal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Bloat is also known as Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), stomach torsion, and twisted stomach.  This is a life-threatening condition that normally affects large deep chested dogs.  The stomach fills with gas and appears “bloated”, the stomach then turns over or twists on itself blocking both the entrance to and the exit from the stomach.  This is an emergency, you must get your pet to a hospital ASAP, emergency surgery is required to correct this.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The exact cause is not known, however the highest incidence of GDV occurs in large breed dogs that eat and drink very quickly followed by a high level of exercise.   When these dogs eat so quickly, they take in an excessive amount of air that gets trapped in the stomach.  Exercising immediately afterwards causes the stomach to flip on itself resulting in bloat or GDV.  Statistics show that certain breeds are more likely to suffer from GDV than others.  They include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs.  

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Distended abdomen (swollen belly)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dry heaving and/or gagging
  • Excessive drooling
  • Showing signs of pain
It is not uncommon for a dog to collapse.  Shock will set in rapidly.  As the bloated stomach starts to press on veins in the abdomen, circulation is decreased depriving the tissues of necessary blood and oxygen.  This advanced condition can cause the dog to pass out. 

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian may do the following:

  • Radiographs - This will reveal a very distinctly misshapen stomach and a build-up of gas.
  • Ultrasound - This can be used in many diagnostic processes to determine abnormalities in your pet’s body. Ultrasounds use sound waves that bounce back producing an echo that measures the opacity of objects and produces a picture on the ultrasound machine.

TREATMENT&MANAGEMENT

The goal is to release the pressure in the stomach as soon as possible. Your veterinarian may try to pass a stomach tube before electing to do surgery.  If this is not possible, the patient will be stabilized in preparation for surgery.  An attempt will be made to surgically untwist the stomach and remove any dead or damaged tissue in the abdomen.  The surgeon may elect to do a procedure to suture the stomach to the abdomen wall, thus preventing another episode of GDV.
 
GDV can be prevented with a procedure known as Gastropexy (surgical attachment of stomach to the abdomen wall).  This won’t prevent bloating, but will prevent the twisting of the stomach.  One of the most effective ways to help prevent this is to pay careful attention to diet, feeding and exercise regimens.  It is recommended to feed large deep chested dogs small amounts of food several times a day.

Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff