Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Complex (GDV)
Gastric dilatation volvulus complex (GDV), or “bloat,” is a serious, life threatening disorder that can strike the gastrointestinal systems of dogs, particularly those of large, deep-chested breeds. Great Danes, St. Bernards, Irish setters, standard poodles, boxers, and English sheepdogs are only a few of the many breeds that can be suddenly afflicted with GDV. Although they don’t fit the anatomical mold of these other breeds, dachshunds and Pekinese also have a higher incidence of GDV than do other similar-sized breeds. Regardless of the size and age, death can quickly ensue in these dogs if the condition is not recognized and treated with speed.
Rapid ingestion of a large amount of food and water, followed by exercise, is an important predisposing cause for this disorder. As the stomach dilates due to the large food and water content within, and due to the gas formed within the stomach secondary to vigorous exercise, it can rotate or twist in such as way as to block off all entry into and exit from the stomach. The condition snowballs as the food, water, and gas within are not allowed to escape, and more and more gas and fluid are produced by the churning action and secretions of the distressed stomach. In addition, as the stomach dilates and/or rotates, it can effectively put pressure on the large blood vessels located within the abdomen and seriously reduce blood flow through them. This, in turn, places almost every major organ within the abdomen in serious jeopardy.
Dogs suffering from an acute case of GDV will exhibit signs such as a distended, bloated abdomen, vomiting, excessive salivation, and rapid breathing. In the early stages, the dog will be quite restless because of the pain; as the disease progresses, weakness, recumbency, and shock set in.
A diagnosis of GDV is based on history and clinical signs seen. As mentioned before, treatment must be instituted in earnest to save the life of the pet. The attending veterinarian will try to pass a tube into the stomach to relieve the stomach distension; however, if the stomach is twisted, this passage might be impossible. In these cases, immediate surgical intervention is required. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and steroids to combat shock are among the medications used in these patients. The prognosis is guarded with any dog presented with GDV, and recurrence is not uncommon.
If a dog likes to gulp down its food as soon as it is set down, protect it from the dangers of GDV by feeding smaller portions at more frequent intervals throughout the day. In addition, discourage exercise for at least 1 hour after mealtime. For dogs that have recurring bouts with GDV, surgery can be performed as a preventive measure to “tack” the stomach down to the inner abdominal wall, thereby preventing it from twisting if bloating occurs.
Rapid ingestion of a large amount of food and water, followed by exercise, is an important predisposing cause for this disorder. As the stomach dilates due to the large food and water content within, and due to the gas formed within the stomach secondary to vigorous exercise, it can rotate or twist in such as way as to block off all entry into and exit from the stomach. The condition snowballs as the food, water, and gas within are not allowed to escape, and more and more gas and fluid are produced by the churning action and secretions of the distressed stomach. In addition, as the stomach dilates and/or rotates, it can effectively put pressure on the large blood vessels located within the abdomen and seriously reduce blood flow through them. This, in turn, places almost every major organ within the abdomen in serious jeopardy.
Dogs suffering from an acute case of GDV will exhibit signs such as a distended, bloated abdomen, vomiting, excessive salivation, and rapid breathing. In the early stages, the dog will be quite restless because of the pain; as the disease progresses, weakness, recumbency, and shock set in.
A diagnosis of GDV is based on history and clinical signs seen. As mentioned before, treatment must be instituted in earnest to save the life of the pet. The attending veterinarian will try to pass a tube into the stomach to relieve the stomach distension; however, if the stomach is twisted, this passage might be impossible. In these cases, immediate surgical intervention is required. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and steroids to combat shock are among the medications used in these patients. The prognosis is guarded with any dog presented with GDV, and recurrence is not uncommon.
If a dog likes to gulp down its food as soon as it is set down, protect it from the dangers of GDV by feeding smaller portions at more frequent intervals throughout the day. In addition, discourage exercise for at least 1 hour after mealtime. For dogs that have recurring bouts with GDV, surgery can be performed as a preventive measure to “tack” the stomach down to the inner abdominal wall, thereby preventing it from twisting if bloating occurs.
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