GDV is a surgical emergency that occurs most commonly in giant and large breed dogs, but can occur in any dog (or cat). Gas or fluid distends the stomach, which twists on its axis. This cuts off the in and out pathways of the stomach. The stomach enlarges because food and air cannot make their way out. A variety of other problems occur when this happens and the stomach enlarges, including shock, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, injury or death to the stomach wall, damage to other internal organs, and a number of biochemical disturbances.

Risk factors for developing GDV include:

1. Large/giant breed
2. 1^st degree relative with a history of GDV
3. Very deep chest
4. Underweight
5. Increasing age
6. Removal of a large abdominal mass, usually the spleen
7. Rapid gulping of food and air
8. Nasal mites
9. Raised feedings
10. Stress
11. Nervous high-strung personalities
12. Eating a large volume of food once daily

When GDV occurs, dogs are often anxious, may pace, and sometimes may be completely collapsed. A common sign is non-productive retching (i.e. dry heaving). The abdomen may visually appear distended and feel tight. Difficulty breathing may occur.

A radiograph will diagnose GDV. Treatment begins with intravenous fluids and decompressing the distended stomach. Once the patient is stable, surgery is performed. In surgery, the stomach is rotated back into a normal position. The contents of the stomach are removed with a tube. The stomach is carefully inspected for any areas that look damaged. Damaged areas of stomach may need to be removed. Other abdominal organs are inspected to make sure no other problems are present. Sometimes the spleen twists with the stomach and may need to be removed. Once the surgeon has inspected everything, the stomach is tacked to the body wall (called a gastropexy) to cause a strong scar to form, keeping the stomach in place to prevent rotation from occurring in the future.

After surgery, patients require intensive treatment and monitoring. Medications for pain, antacids, motility agents and antibiotics are frequently administered. The heart is closely watched with an ECG for development of abnormal rhythms, which in some cases require treatment. Food is slowly re-introduced in small, frequent meals.

With timely recognition of the problem and appropriate medical and surgical treatment, dogs with this problem can recover very well. Dogs that have other internal problems may have a more difficult recovery. It should be remembered that this is a surgical emergency. These patients should go to your doctor or an emergency hospital immediately for treatment.

 A gastropexy can be done prophylactically in high risk breeds or high risk patients. This can be performed at the same time that a spay or neuter is performed. Talk with your doctor to find out if this is right for your pet.