GDV — Everybody Do the Twist!

 I am writing this article from my mother’s hospital room where she is recovering from a torsed (or twisted) stomach. Fortunately, it was caught in time and she is recovering well. From what I understand, this is fairly uncommon in humans. As the surgeon was explaining the procedure, he used the analogy that my mother’s stomach had twisted upon itself like a balloon animal. Oh my, I thought, my mother had a GDV!
GDV, gastric dilatation volvulus, or bloat, is very common in dogs. It occurs when the stomach distends with food and air and then rotates on itself. The food and air in the stomach are then trapped and cannot escape. Blood supply to the stomach and the nearby spleen can be compromised. All of this spells disaster and a very serious life-threatening emergency for your dog. Warning signs include non-productive vomiting and retching, a firm bloated appearance to the abdomen, abdominal pain, and panting. If you see these signs, get your dog to your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency center immediately.
The treatment for GDV is emergency surgery to de-rotate and decompress the stomach. Dogs with GDV are often in shock, and many have abnormal heart rhythm as a result. The shock, compromised blood supply, electrolyte abnormalities and heart arrhythmias all have to be managed. Sometimes portions of the stomach or the spleen have to be removed if blood supply was lost.
Any dog can bloat, but large, deep chested dogs are most at risk. These include Great Danes, Boxers, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, and Greyhounds. Dogs over 100 pounds have a 20 percent greater risk of bloat. Dogs seven and older are at greater risk. Eating one large meal a day or eating very quickly increase the risk of GDV.
GDV can be prevented with a prophylactic gastropexy. This is a surgical procedure where the stomach is sutured to the body wall so it cannot twist on itself. These procedures are often done at the time of a spay or neuter, but surgical centers are now doing gastropexy as a laparoscopic procedure on dogs of any age. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about bloat (in your dog, not in you!).
Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center is located at 25832 Hemingway Ave. in Santa Clarita. For more information, please call 661-799-0655 and visit www.srvc.com.