GDV in Dogs

Gastric Distillation and Volvulus Syndrome is extremely serious in dogs. It can also be known as twisted stomach, or bloat. GDV is a huge problem, in large dogs and is life-threatening. When GDV occurs, the stomach rolls or twists and closes off the area from the esophagus to the intestines.

When your dog has GDV, torsion (another word to describe twisting) closes off the pylorus—which is the opening from your dog’s stomach to their duodenum. The GDV causes your dog’s stomach to turn and twist a lot, and in some scenarios the spleen and major blood vessels will twist too. This will cause tissue damage and loss of blood flow to the stomach and other vital organs. When organs do not get enough blood, shock can occur.

The twisting and turning of the stomach makes it hard for the dog to vomit. And unsuccessful vomiting along with a hardened stomach are symptoms of GDV. Another symptom of GDV is when your dog isn’t feeling or acting normally and if they seem like they’re really anxious about something. If your dog is hunched over, and if you do not hear any stomach noises- like digestive gurgling sounds, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Within several hours, dogs can die from bloat and GDV. There is treatment for bloat, but with treatments and medication some dogs do still pass away from this syndrome.

Deep-chested dogs are most at risk like German Shepherds, Great Danes, Standard Poodle, and Dobermans. Great Dane come in at number one for being most at risk, followed by Saint Bernard, Weimaraner, and in fourth is the Irish Setter.

To prevent GDV, try and avoid stressful situations for your dog. Exercise with your dog, at least for an hour a day. And make sure that your dog is eating two to three smaller meals a day, instead of one big meal. And do not allow your dog to drink water, or eat fast and excessively, especially after exercising.

If any of these symptoms occur or you believe your dog has GDV, please call your veterinarian immediately.