What Is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is an emergency medical condition that is seen most commonly in large and giant breed dogs.

This is a life threatening condition for your dog that requires immediate veterinary attention. Gastric Dilation-Volvulus occurs when your dog’s stomach fills with gas and/or food, expands, and then rotates trapping gas inside the stomach. This cuts off the blood supply to the stomach. As the pressure increases the stomach tissue begins to die and can even rupture. This condition also has serious effects on the heart and lungs making it difficult for your dog to breath and producing an abnormal heartbeat. The emergency of this condition is critical in that soon after your dog exhibits the signs of GDV, death can occur within a matter of hours or less. The common signs of GDV are:

• Distended (bloated) abdomen
• Unproductive retching / heaving
• Extreme lethargy
• Excess salivation
• Heavy panting
• Restlessness / pacing
• Pale gums
  

If you observe any of these situations, seek medical care for your dog immediately.

Certain dog breeds are predisposed to GDV such as deep-chested dogs like the Great Danes, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles and Saint Bernards but is not limited to just these breeds.
Circumstances that increase the risk of your dog getting GDV are:

• Breed (large or giant)
• Large, deep chest
• Gulping food / eating too quickly
• High activity following large meals
• Feeding only one meal a day
• Stress / anxiety
• Thin body condition
• Genetic predisposition
  

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