GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), often called “bloat”, is an acute, life-threatening condition that large, deep-chested dogs can be particularly prone to.

If you have a large or giant-breed dog, it’s best to be aware of the symptoms of GDV, and the measures you could take to help prevent it in your canine companion.

What is GDV and why does it make affected pets so unwell?

GDV occurs when the stomach becomes overfilled with air and then twists so it becomes blocked at either end. The stomach then continues to swell, with no way to release gas or food contents, which leads to:

• Significant pain
• Obstruction of normal blood flow to the stomach wall, and often to the nearby spleen too
• Progressive cardiovascular shock (poor blood pressure)
• Breathing difficulties

Which dogs are at particular risk for GDV?

While any dog can potentially develop GDV, it occurs most commonly in:

• Large and giant breed dogs with deep chests
• Middle-aged to older dogs
• Dogs who are anxious or fearful
• Dogs who are fed only one large meal a day
• Dogs with a family history of bloat

What symptoms does GDV cause?

GDV can develop and worsen in just a few hours, and may cause symptoms including:

• Excessive drooling
• Restlessness
• Abdominal pain
• Unproductive attempts to vomit
• Progressive abdominal swelling
• Progressive breathing difficulties
• Progressive weakness and then collapse

An urgent veterinary assessment is recommended if you ever note similar symptoms in your pet.

Can GDV be prevented?

If you have a large or giant breed puppy or adult dog, it’s worth talking to our vets about:

• Safe feeding practices, e.g. multiple smaller meals per day, no exercise immediately after meals, and slow feeding bowls.
• The option of prophylactic gastropexy – this is a surgical procedure where the dog’s stomach is anchored to the inner abdominal wall, which doesn’t prevent gastric dilatation, but should prevent stomach twisting (i.e. full GDV).

For more information, have a chat with our knowledgeable vets.