Go to a clinic immediately if
- Any such combination, especially in a deep-chested dog, warrants immediate travel to a clinic
- Weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing or collapse are signs of shock and leave no time to wait
Possible signs
- Unproductive retching, rapid abdominal swelling, drooling, pain or restlessness
- The dog may repeatedly change position, fail to settle, look at the abdomen or resist abdominal touch
What it is
In gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), the stomach fills with gas and may rotate on itself. Pressure reduces blood return to the heart and lung expansion, while rotation can cut off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Shock, tissue death, abnormal heart rhythms, sepsis and rupture of the stomach wall can develop quickly; there is no safe home treatment. Large and giant deep-chested dogs are at greatest risk, although GDV can occur in dogs of other breeds.
What to expect at the veterinarian
The clinic will immediately assess and treat shock, control pain and monitor heart rhythm. Abdominal radiographs help confirm rotation while pressure is relieved from the stomach. Confirmed GDV usually needs emergency surgery to return the stomach to position, assess damaged tissue and perform gastropexy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus