Bloat and torsion (GDV) in dogs

Written by AniMed.org Reviewed by Kristin Westafer, DVM

Overview

You've probably felt bloated at least once in your life -- after overindulging in your favorite food or drink, especially on Thanksgiving Day! Just like humans, dogs can experience this extremely unpleasant condition, too, but for them bloat is a much more serious problem. When a dog becomes bloated, it is a true medical emergency. If treatment isn't sought immediately, the condition can quickly be fatal.

The technical term for bloat is gastric dilatation-volvulus (commonly referred to as GDV). Any breed of dog may suffer from bloat, but it is considerably more prevalent in large, deep-chested dogs, such as the Doberman or Great Dane.

Symptoms

Enlarged abdomen, hard to the touch
Trying, but unable to, vomit or belch
Gasping for air
Shortness of breath
Acting uncomfortable, unwilling to move around
Pale gums
Collapse
Excessive salivating, mucous around the mouth
Extreme lethargy
Unable to rise
Laying on one side of the body and unable to rise (lateral recumbency)

Causes

Bloat results from distention (swelling) or torsion (twisting) of the stomach, a result of gas buildup that cannot escape. As the stomach continues to distend, it often rotates and prevents gas and fluid from escaping the stomach. It then presses against blood vessels, inhibiting the animal's circulation, causing cell death and organ damage, especially to the stomach. Swelling can also prevent the diaphragm from expanding normally, leading to extreme shortness of breath. This combination of events can lead to shock and even heart failure.

The exact causes of bloat are unknown, but a dog that gulps a lot of air when he eats or drinks may be more susceptible to bloat. Foods containing a lot of grain may ferment in the stomach and cause excessive gas. Dogs that are allowed to drink large amounts of water and are then allowed to play rough are most commonly affected by bloat. Another cause may be too much exercise right before or after eating.

Prevention

It may not be possible to prevent GDV entirely, but feeding small meals at evenly spaced internals throughout the day may help. Limit exercise several hours before and after meals. Feed more meat-based and less grain-based foods. Make changes in diet slowly, over a period of a week or more. Keep water available but don't allow your dog to drink large amounts at once, because he will gulp in too much air and large amounts of water is very heavy in the stomach.

There is a lot of debate in the veterinary medical community about feeding large dogs from raised dishes, which is sometimes recommended. Research is ongoing. Anything that helps your dog eat slower and prevents him from gulping in too much air helps prevent GDV, so pay attention to your dog's eating habits and act accordingly.

If you have a deep chested dog that is prone to developing GDV, your dog can have a procedure done to virtually eliminate the risk of developing a lifethreatening GDV situation. This procedure is called a gastropexy and can be performed when your dog is spayed or neutered. This procedure is done by taking the outer layer of the stomach and suturing it to the inside of the abdominal wall.

Treatment

If you suspect your dog is bloating, get him to the nearest veterinary hospital at once. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are usually administered immediately. A veterinarian may be able to relieve the trapped gas by inserting a tube through the animal's esophagus or abdomen, but surgical treatment will likely be necessary if the stomach has become twisted. At this time, the stomach can be attached to the abdominal wall (a procedure called a gastropexy) to prevent it from twisting again if GDV recurs.

Always be on the lookout for signs of GDV, especially if your animal is predisposed to the condition or has suffered from bloat before. By seeking immediate treatment, you just may save your pet's life.