Gastric torsion, bloat, and GDV are all terms that refer to one of the more commom life-threatening emergencies especially amoung large, deep-chested dogs. The initial cause of GDV is unknown and probably is a variety of circumstances ranging from feeding regimes to anatomic variations. Regardless of the initial cause the end result is the same -- the stomach fills with gas and/or fluid and twists. The twisting compromises blood flow leading quickly to damage and death of the stomach tissue. The greatly enlarged stomach puts pressure on the major abdominal blood vessels disrupting blood flow from the heart to the abdomen and hindquarters as well as decreasing return blood flow to the heart. The end result is an inability of the heart to adequately deliver blood to the body, damaged or dead stomach tissue, and varying degrees of damage to other body organs because of inadequate bloodflow. Thus, a dog with GDV typically presents in critical condition and needs immediate attention to prevent death.
GDV presents in a variety of ways. Non-productive retching, restlessness, and hypersalivation are among the most common signs of GDV. The abdomen may appear distended and the back may be arched secondary to abdominal pain. It can also present as acute death --, i.e. the dog was fine in the morning but is dead that evening. GDV is primarily a disease of large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, Akitas, Weimaraners, and Irish Wolfhounds, but any dog can be affected. It is also more common in middle to older dogs and there is recent evidence to suggest that there may be a genetic predispostion to develop GDV.
Treatment involves decompression of the stomach, surgical correction of the torsion, resection of dead or irreversibly damaged tissue, and post-operative management. Unfortunately, the restoration of bloodflow to the stomach releases chemical factors that cause the rhythm of the heart to become dangerously irregular. This typically occurs 24-72 hours after the GDV. Thus, intensive monitoring and care is required post-operatively in order to prevent and treat any such arrhythmias.
Since the initial cause of GDV is unknown, exact preventative measure cannot be ascertained. But experience and anecdotal evidence indicates that feeding several small meals a day instead of one large meal, avoiding stress during feeding, raising food bowls off the ground, and preventing too rapid ingestion of the food may reduce the risk of GDV. Restriction of intense exercise for 30 minutes before and 1 hour after feeding is strongly recommended. For dogs at high risk because of breed, prevalance in the dog�s lineage, previous bloat, etc., prophylatic gastropexy (a surgical procedure in which the stomach is sown to the abdominal wall to hold the stomach in place greatly reducing the risk of torsion) is very strongly recommended. Often this procedure can be performed in conjunction with a spay or neuter to alleviate the need for a separate anesthetic episode.
Immediate attention is essential for treatment of GDV. Even with the best care and quickest therapy the mortality rate associated with GDV is 40%. Determine your dog�s risk based on breed, occurence among related dogs, eating habits, etc. Monitor dogs closely for signs of restlessness, hypersalivation, and non-productive retching especially right after eating. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you detect signs indicating the presence of GDV. For more information regarding GDV please contact your veterinarian or email me..