What happens

The stomach first swells with gas and food (dilatation), then rotates on its own axis (volvulus). Once twisted, the gas cannot escape, blood supply to the stomach wall and spleen is cut off, and pressure on the large veins stops blood returning to the heart, leading to shock.

Signs

  • Repeated retching with nothing coming up, or only white froth
  • A swollen, tight belly, especially behind the left ribs, that sounds like a drum when tapped
  • Restlessness, pacing, unwilling to lie down
  • Heavy drooling and panting
  • Pale gums, fast heart rate, weakness
  • Later: collapse and shock
These signs do not settle on their own. Call 2126 7440 now and we will have fluids and the operating theatre ready. Do not give water or medicines, and do not wait until morning.

Dogs at higher risk

  • Large, deep-chested breeds: German Shepherd, Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner, St Bernard, Dobermann, Akita; Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Huskies are also at risk
  • Older dogs
  • One large meal a day, fast eaters
  • Hard exercise or lots of water straight after eating
  • Nervous, anxious dogs
  • A parent or sibling who has had GDV

Small dogs and cats can be affected, but rarely.

At the hospital

  1. Stabilise: large volumes of intravenous fluids for shock, pain relief, oxygen.
  2. X-ray to confirm: GDV has a typical appearance on X-ray.
  3. Decompress: a stomach tube or needle releases the trapped gas.
  4. Emergency surgery: the stomach is returned to its normal position, the stomach wall and spleen are checked for dead tissue, and a gastropexy fixes the stomach to the body wall to greatly reduce the chance of it twisting again.
  5. Hospital stay: usually 2 to 4 days, monitoring heart rhythm, blood pressure and gut function.

The sooner your dog arrives, the simpler the surgery and the better the chance of survival; a delay of a few hours sharply raises the risk of dead stomach wall and irregular heart rhythm.

Prevention

  • Split food into 2 to 3 meals a day
  • Use a slow-feeder bowl for fast eaters
  • No hard exercise or ball games for 1 hour before and after meals
  • Avoid gulping large amounts of water, especially after exercise
  • Raised bowls: research is mixed, so do not use one unless your vet advises it
  • For high-risk breeds, ask your vet about a preventive gastropexy at the time of neutering