Canine bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Bloat is an acute-onset condition where a dog’s stomach distends or fills with gas. In some cases the condition does not progress beyond this, but unfortunately, bloat can quickly become more serious. Bloat can lead to a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex or stomach torsion. In this case, the stomach not only fills with gas, but then twists, blocking both its entrance and exit. As the stomach presses on the diaphragm, breathing may become difficult. The veins that carry blood to the heart are compressed, reducing blood flow and causing an affected dog to go into shock. If you see signs of bloat, you should treat it as a medical emergency - GDV can be fatal within an hour.

What to watch for in your dog

Signs of bloat and gastric dilation-volvulus include:

• An enlarged, hard stomach
• The stomach is painful when touched
• Non-productive attempts to vomit, or coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Pacing or restlessness
• A fast heartbeat

Risk factors for bloat and GDV

Any dog can be affected by bloat and GDV, but larger dogs (over 50 lbs) with a deeper chest, such as German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Akitas, Bloodhounds, and Weimaraners are at greater risk. Purebred dogs are also more prone to bloat and GDV than mixed breed dogs.

There are some “lifestyle” factors that may be associated with GDV, such as being fed once a day and being a fast eater, as well as an anxious temperament. Older dogs, and dogs with a family history of bloat also appear to be at higher risk. 

Treatment of bloat and GDV

Unfortunately, there is no home treatment for bloat or GDV, and while simple bloating may resolve on its own, it can still be life threatening and dogs should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Emergency treatment involves stabilizing the dog, addressing any signs of shock, and decompressing the distended stomach (either by placing a device called a trochar into the stomach through the abdomen or passing a tube down the esophagus into the stomach). X-rays are used to determine if the stomach has twisted. 

If a dog has GDV, surgery must be performed as soon as the dog is stabilized. Surgery will return the stomach to its proper positioning and remove any dead tissue. If the spleen is damaged it may also be removed. In many cases, a gastropexy is also performed. Gastropexy is a surgery that can permanently fix a dog’s stomach into place, preventing future episodes of GDV. 

Prognosis for dogs with GDV

The overall mortality rate for dogs with GDV is estimated at 50%. Research suggests that emergency surgery increases the rate of survival to around 80%. Dogs with heart, tissue or organ damage upon treatment have a higher mortality rate. 

Prevention

As there is no one definite cause of GDV, it’s important to recognize the signs and seek immediate treatment. Dog owners can also take some simple steps that may reduce the risk of GDV:

• Feed your dog smaller meals more frequently 
• Try slow feeder bowls to help fast eaters
• Provide your dog with a safe, quiet place to eat that is separate from other animals

Dogs with a more easy-going temperament also appear to be at lower risk for bloat and GDV although the relationship between anxiety and this condition is unclear.

Some dog owners may choose to have a gastropexy performed preventatively on their dog, especially if the dog is from a high-risk breed. This is often performed during neuter surgery. A gastropexy will not prevent bloat, but it will prevent a dog from having GDV, and for some dogs, can be a matter of life or death.

Inheritance of GDV

GDV is heritable and appears to run in families. To date, no studies have yet identified any genes that could be used to identify at-risk dogs. Breeders should use pedigree information to make breeding decisions, and should not use dogs for breeding who have had issues with bloat/GDV or who have relatives (parents, siblings, offspring) who have experienced bloat.

Resources

The Genetics of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (Bloat) in Dogs: What Do We Know and Where Are We Going?

VCA: Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs

Bell, J. S. (2014). Inherited and predisposing factors in the development of gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 29(3), 60-63.

O'Neill, D. G., Case, J., Boag, A. K., Church, D. B., McGreevy, P. D., Thomson, P. C., & Brodbelt, D. C. (2017). Gastric dilation‐volvulus in dogs attending UK emergency‐care veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors and survival. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 58(11), 629-638.

Piras, I. S., Perdigones, N., Zismann, V., Briones, N., Facista, S., Rivera, J. L., ... & Hendricks, W. P. (2020). Identification of Genetic Susceptibility Factors Associated with Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Genes, 11(11), 1313.

Przywara, J. F., Abel, S. B., Peacock, J. T., & Shott, S. (2014). Occurrence and recurrence of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus after incisional gastropexy. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 55(10), 981.