GDV in dogs or gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening condition that can quickly develop into an emergency when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists. This results in a lack of blood flow to the stomach, spleen, and sometimes the pancreas. The most common symptom of GDV is unproductive retching and attempts to vomit. As this condition primarily affects deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, Boxers, standard poodles, and others, dog owners of these breeds must be familiar with GDV.
Understanding GDV
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a potentially life-threatening condition that primarily affects large breed dogs, particularly with deep chests. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists, cutting off the flow of blood to the stomach and surrounding organs.
GDV can progress rapidly, leading to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.
If you have a high-risk breed, it is important to recognize the risk factors and clinical signs of GDV so that you can act quickly.
What is GDV in dogs?
GDV is also termed gastric dilatation-volvulus, gastric torsion, and bloat and is a medical emergency.
The condition is characterized by a bloated stomach, stomach distension, twisting of the stomach, increased pressure in the stomach, and consequent blood flow compromise.
As the stomach dilates, it can rotate and twist on its long axis called volvulus. The spleen can also become displaced since it is attached to the stomach by ligaments and blood vessels. In severe cases, this can lead to circulatory shock.
With GDV in dogs, the large caudal vena cava (large blood vessel bringing blood back to the heart) is compromised. This can lead to blood building up in the spleen, kidneys, and intestines, as well as decreased blood flow back to the heart. Blood supplying the stomach wall can be impaired, leading to gastric ulceration, necrosis, and perforation.
What causes GDV in dogs?
While the exact cause of GDV remains unknown, certain factors have been identified that can increase a dog's risk.
Below are some known causes and risk factors of a dog developing GDV:
- Underweight or lean dogs: These dogs may have more space within their abdomen for the stomach to move and potentially twist.
- Deep-chested dogs: Breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinscher, and Standard Poodles have a higher risk of developing GDV due to the conformation of their chest cavity.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammation in the digestive system might make the stomach more susceptible to GDV.
- Gastric foreign body: Objects lodged in the stomach can disrupt normal digestion and potentially contribute to bloating and torsion.
- Feeding small kibble: Small kibble may make it easier for dogs to gulp down quickly, increasing air intake (aerophagia) and potentially contributing to bloat.
- Rapid eating: Fast eaters are more likely to swallow air, leading to gas buildup in the stomach.
- Elevating the food bowl: While the evidence is mixed, some believe that raising food bowls can increase air intake during eating.
- Overeating: Consuming a large meal at once can distend the stomach and increase the risk of bloat.
- Water restriction after eating: Limiting water intake after meals may interfere with normal digestion and contribute to GDV risk.
- Weather extremes: Sudden changes in temperature or stormy weather may increase stress levels in dogs, potentially influencing their digestive system.
GDV is likely a complex disorder with many different genes involved, rather than being caused by a single abnormality.
What are the clinical signs of GDV?
The most common GDV symptom in dogs is unproductive retching. Other GDV symptoms in dogs may include:
- Distended abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Panting
- Excessive drooling or salivation
- Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
- Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rate)
If your dog is showing any GDV symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. GDV is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to shock and death if not treated promptly.
How is GDV diagnosed in dogs?
GDV in dogs is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and physical examination findings. An abdominal radiograph (X-ray) is often taken to confirm GDV. Your veterinarian will be looking for the stomach to be in a particular shape and position called the "Popeyes arm" or "double bubble".
In some cases, GDV can be diagnosed with an abdominal ultrasound but it can be difficult as there is excessive gas in the stomach which makes ultrasound more difficult to interpret.
How is GDV treated in dogs?
The treatment for GDV in dogs typically requires hospitalization and surgery. The goal of GDV treatment is to decompress the stomach, stabilize the dog’s vital signs, and correct the GDV. Before undergoing surgery for GDV, emergency medical therapy is administered. The most essential initial treatments are fluid therapy and gastric decompression.
The twisting of the stomach can obstruct blood supply to major organs, making immediate surgical intervention very important.
GDV surgery is typically performed via a midline laparotomy (abdominal incision). The stomach is then examined for twists or other abnormalities. The GDV is then corrected with a procedure called a gastropexy. A gastropexy is a surgical procedure in which the stomach is sutured to the body wall to prevent GDV from happening again in the future.
After GDV surgery, your dog will be monitored closely for several days. IV fluids and pain medication will be given as needed. Most dogs recover well from GDV surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Surgical intervention
Surgical intervention is the cornerstone of GDV treatment. The primary goals of surgery are to restore blood flow to the stomach and surrounding organs, remove any necrotic tissue, and prevent future episodes of GDV.
Typically, this involves a gastropexy, where the stomach is attached to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting again. In some cases, if parts of the stomach have died due to lack of blood flow, they may need to be removed.
Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, are sometimes employed to reduce recovery time and minimize complications, offering a less invasive option for treating this serious condition.
Managing cardiovascular and respiratory complications
GDV can lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, and respiratory distress. Effective management of these complications is important to prevent further damage and improve outcomes.
Fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, and cardiac monitoring are often necessary to stabilize the patient. In some cases, medications may be required to control cardiac arrhythmias or blood pressure.
Close monitoring of vital signs and laboratory values is essential to detect any changes in the patient’s condition and to provide timely interventions.
What is the prognosis for dogs with GDV?
Complications after surgery for GDV can occur up to 5 days post-operation. This is why continued hospitalization with fluid therapy, monitoring, and medications are required.
The mortality rate for GDV in dogs is up to 30%.
Long-term care and recovery
After surgery, dogs with GDV require long-term care to prevent complications and promote recovery. Dietary changes, such as feeding canned dog food or incorporating calcium-rich meat meal, can be beneficial.
In some cases, medications may be needed to manage cardiac arrhythmias or prevent gastric dilatation.
How can GDV in dogs be prevented?
Gastropexy can help to decrease the risk of GDV. We sometimes choose to have a prophylactic gastropexy performed at the time of neutering or during any abdominal surgery. This may be considered for breeds that are at high risk for GDV.
Otherwise, having your dog eat slowly and reducing exercise immediately after eating are recommended. To encourage your dog to eat slowly, feeding large kibble sizes or using a "slow-down bowl" can be beneficial.
In closing, GDV, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus is a serious medical emergency in dogs that can rapidly progress to shock and death if not treated promptly. If you think your dog may be showing GDV symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. While GDV can be a life-threatening condition, most dogs recover well from surgery with proper and very prompt treatment. GDV can be prevented by having a prophylactic gastropexy performed at the time of neutering or during any abdominal surgery. You can also encourage your dog to eat slowly and reduce exercise immediately after eating. If you have any questions or are concerned about GDV affecting your dog, please contact your veterinarian.