Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Emergency Response, and Prevention

You might have heard of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in dogs. It’s a serious condition that can hit fast and hard. This guide will walk you through what GDV is, how to spot it, and what to do if your furry mate’s in trouble. We’ll cover everything from causes to treatment, so you can keep your dog safe and healthy.

What are Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)?

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus is a nasty condition that hits dogs hard and fast. It’s when a dog’s stomach fills up with gas and then twists on itself. Imagine your stomach somersaulting – not fun, right? This twist blocks everything going in or out, and it’s seriously bad news.

What is the Difference Between Bloat and GDV?

Bloat is when the stomach just fills with gas. It’s not great, but it’s not as scary as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. With Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, you’ve got the bloat plus the twist. That twist is what makes Gastric Dilation Volvulus a proper emergency. It cuts off blood flow and can lead to a whole host of problems.

What is GDV and How Does It Differ from GD?

GD stands for Gastric Dilatation, which is when a dog’s stomach fills up with gas or fluid. It’s like when you eat too much and feel bloated, but way worse. Now, GDV takes it a step further. The ‘V’ stands for Volvulus, which means the bloated stomach twists on itself. Nasty stuff.

GD is bad, but GDV is an emergency. With GD, the stomach’s just swollen. With GDV, it’s swollen and twisted, which can cut off blood flow and cause a whole heap of problems.

Can a dog have gastric dilatation without volvulus? 

Absolutely. That’s what we call simple bloat. It’s still serious, but not as critical as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. The tricky bit is, that you can’t always tell the difference without a vet’s help, so it’s best to treat any bloat as an emergency.

What causes gastric dilatation volvulus in Dogs?

Big dogs with deep chests are more likely to get GDV. Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners are more vulnerable. But don’t think your little mate is off the hook – any dog can get it. Age also plays a role – older dogs are more at risk. Also, if your dog is a fast eater or tends to gulp air, they’re more likely to have issues. Nervous or anxious dogs seem to be more prone to GDV too.

How to identify GDV?

Keep an eye out for restlessness, pacing, and trying to vomit without bringing anything up. Your dog might also look at their belly a lot or seem uncomfortable. As things get worse, you might see a swollen or hard belly, heavy breathing or panting, and weakness. Some dogs collapse or have pale gums. If you see these signs, it’s time to get to the vet fast.

How to check for GDV in dogs?

To check for GDV, keep an eye on your dog’s belly. If it looks swollen or feels hard, that’s a red flag. Gently tap the side of their belly – if it sounds hollow, like a drum, that’s another warning sign.

Is GDV painful?

You bet. Dogs with Gastric Dilatation Volvulus are often in a lot of discomfort. They might whine, refuse to lie down or snap if you touch their belly.

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Will a dog with Gastric Dilatation Volvulus sleep? 

Probably not. The pain and discomfort usually keep them awake and restless.

Will a dog with bloat drink water? 

They might try, but often can’t keep it down. Some dogs with bloat might lap at water without actually drinking it.

How is gastric volvulus diagnosed?

The vet will do a thorough check-up, looking at all the symptoms we talked about. They’ll ask about your dog’s history and recent activities too. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool. They show if the stomach is twisted. Blood tests help check how serious things are. The vet might also do an ECG to check the heart, as GDV can cause heart issues. 

What are the vital signs of volvulus?

The vital signs of volvulus often include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Weak pulse
• Pale gums
• Laboured breathing

What is triad of gastric volvulus?

Vets often talk about the “triad of gastric volvulus”:

1. A distended abdomen
2. Unproductive retching
3. Signs of shock

How do you rule out volvulus?

To rule out volvulus, the vet might try to pass a tube into the stomach. If it goes in easily, it’s probably not GDV. But remember, only a vet should try this.

What is the difference between a bowel obstruction and a volvulus?

A bowel obstruction and volvulus can look similar, but there’s a key difference. With an obstruction, something’s blocking the intestines. With volvulus, the stomach or intestines have twisted. Both are serious, but volvulus is usually more urgent.

What is the first line of treatment for Gastric Dilatation Volvulus?

The first line of treatment for volvulus is stabilization. The vet will:

1. Give IV fluids to combat shock
2. Try to decompress the stomach (release the gas)
3. Manage pain and monitor heart rate

Can volvulus be treated without surgery?

Surgery is almost always needed. The vet will untwist the stomach and check if any tissue is damaged. They’ll usually do a procedure called gastropexy to stop this from happening again.

What Post-Operative Care will my dog need?

After surgery, your dog will need close monitoring. They’ll get pain meds and might need special feeding for a while. The vet will keep an eye out for any complications.

What medication is used for gastric volvulus after surgery?

After surgery, dogs usually get:

• Pain medication
• Antibiotics to prevent infection (common ones include ampicillin, enrofloxacin, or metronidazole)
• Medication to protect the stomach lining
• Sometimes, drugs to help the gut start moving normally again

How to treat GD in dogs?

For simple bloat (GD), your vet might recommend:

• Withholding food for a bit
• Small, frequent meals
• Avoiding exercise after eating

How to treat GDV in dogs at Home (with caution)?

To relieve bloating fast:

1. Gentle belly massages
2. Short, slow walks (if the vet is okay)
3. Simethicone can help with gas, but ask your vet first

How to remove gas from a dog’s stomach?

To remove gas from a dog’s stomach:

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals
• Use slow-feeder bowls
• Avoid exercise right after meals

How long can a dog live with gastric dilatation-volvulus?

Without treatment, not long – it’s often fatal within hours. With prompt treatment, many dogs recover well. Recovery time varies. Most dogs stay at the vet for 2-5 days after surgery. Full recovery at home can take 2-3 weeks.

What are the mortality rates for dogs with GDV?

I won’t sugarcoat it – Gastric Dilatation Volvulus can be fatal. Even with quick treatment, about 15-20% of dogs don’t make it. If things are really bad, that number can go up to 30-40%.

Can GDV resolve itself?

Not really. Simple bloat might pass on its own (though it’s still best to see a vet), but true GDV needs medical intervention.

What are the complications of gastric volvulus?

Even with treatment, GDV can lead to some serious issues. Damage to the stomach wall, heart problems, and infections are all possible. Sometimes part of the stomach or spleen needs to be removed.

Where is gastric volvulus pain?

GDV pain is usually in the abdomen. Dogs might yelp if you touch their belly.

Is diarrhoea a symptom of volvulus?

Diarrhea isn’t typically a symptom of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. Many dogs with GDV can’t pass any stool due to the twist in their digestive system.

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How to prevent gastric dilatation in volvulus?

Feeding smaller meals more often can help. So can slowing down fast eaters – special bowls or food puzzles can be great for this. Some vets suggest avoiding exercise right after meals too. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important. So is managing stress and anxiety. Regular check-ups with the vet can help catch any early signs of trouble.