Author: Christina Holbrook DVM
What is GDV?
·
Gastric dilatation and volvulus sometimes known
as GDV or bloat is an emergency that results from severe gas and fluid and/or
food distension of the stomach. There are generally two forms of this disease
complex; simple gas distension of the stomach WITHOUT rotation or gas
distension of the stomach WITH volvulus/rotation.
Who can get this
disease?
·
Large and giant breed dogs are most commonly
affected but the disease can occur in any breed or size of dog. If your pet has
a first degree relative (mother, father, littermate) with a history of GDV the
risk for your pet developing this condition is much higher.
·
GDV can occur at any age yet is seen most
frequently in animals 6.5 to 8 years old
·
There does not appear to be any strong evidence
favoring an increase in prevalence in GDV between male and female dogs, one
study showed a potentially lowered
risk in neutered males in compared to unaltered dogs.
How do I know if my
dog has GDV?
·
Severe lethargy or depression, your pet may be
recumbent or not want to get up and move.
·
Vomiting or retching
·
Abdominal distension (belly may appear to swell)
·
Fast and shallow respirations
I think my dog is
bloating what do I do?
·
If you think your dog may be experiencing
symptoms of bloat, DON’T WAIT, TAKE THEM TO THE VET ASAP!!
·
Your veterinarian will likely take an abdominal
radiograph (x-ray) to confirm the diagnosis and start treating this life
threatening condition
What can I do to
prevent this from happening to my pet?
·
If you own a breed that is considered to be at
risk for developing GDV (large breed deep chested dogs) or if your pet has a
history of a first degree relative that developed GDV you may want to consider
having your veterinarian perform a surgery called prophylactic gastropexy
·
Prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) is a
surgical procedure where your veterinarian makes a permanent attachment of the
stomach to the body wall to prevent the stomach from twisting in the event of a
bloat. It is important to remember that the “pexy” surgery will not prevent
bloat from happening.
·
Additional “non-surgical” recommendations to
help prevent your pet from bloating:
o
Feed your dog a minimum of 2 meals daily
lifelong to avoid overfilling the stomach
o
Restrict exercise and activity around the time
of feeding
o
Don’t allow your dog to drink a large amount of
water at one time. To prevent this when your dog is very thirsty, simply offer
small amounts of water every 15 minutes until your dog is no longer thirsty
o
Consider spaying and neutering and not breeding
those animals with a first degree history or family lineage of developing GDV.
·
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian
to discuss this disease in greater detail and review the following links for
more information.
This
is Glacier a beautiful 1.5 year old female spayed Alaskan Malamute who had the
prophylactic gastropexy surgery conveniently performed at the time of her
ovariohysterectomy (spay) surgery.
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Two incredible dogs Jazz and Maverick both survived their life threatening brush with bloat and intestinal surgery!
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