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Client Library Article
BLOAT (GASTRIC DILITATION
& VOLVULUS or GDV)
| BLOAT in Dogs |
| Bloat is a common term that
can describe any condition where there is abnormal distention of the
abdomen. However, when most people speak of "bloat", they are
referring to Gastric Dilitation & Volvulus (GDV),
a life threatening condition in dogs where the stomach becomes acutely
distended with gas (Gastric Dilitation) and then twists on
itself (Volvulus), thus the term GDV. Another type of
bloat is Food Bloat, most common in puppies
that gorge themselves on food to the point of stuffing and distending their
stomachs. Fortunately, most cases of food bloat resolve with IV fluids
and medical support. GDV is a Surgical Emergency
and must be treated as soon as possible for a favorable outcome. If
not treated promptly, the large distended stomach compresses the large blood
vessels that return blood from the abdomen to the heart. The dog becomes
progressively more shocky and often dies within a few hours if not treated.
Additionally, when the stomach twists, the blood supply to the stomach is
cut off and the stomach wall itself dies.
GDV occurs most frequently in large deep chest breeds particularly
Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers,
Weimarauners, Standard Poodles, Irish & English Setters, large Hounds, and
Retrievers. However, we have treated bloat in other breeds including a
Corgie & a Basset hound, so it is always a possibility if your dog is
exhibiting the clinical signs. |
| Symptoms of GDV |
- History of recently being fed a meal
- Repeated attempts to vomit without bring up material (non-productive
vomiting)
- Abdominal distention (hard round belly)
- Painful abdomen
 Hypersalivation- Often dog is found collapsed and in shock
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| Diagnosis |
- Physical examination- there is usually an
obvious distended, hard, tympanic (gas filled) abdomen. The dog
often presents in shock with pale mucous membranes, high heart rate, weak
pulses, short shallow breaths / panting, and possibly low body
temperature. Occasionally, only a high heart rate, and abnormally placed
spleen can be appreciated if the dog is presented shortly after bloating.
- Radiology- A radiograph (X-ray) is used
to confirm a twisted stomach showing a classic gas pattern. A
radiograph of the abdomen should always be taken if bloat is a
possibility.
- In older dogs, X-rays of the chest should be taken to screen for
metastatic cancer before proceeding to surgery
- Blood work is run to assess the dogs
metabolic status in order to stabilize the dog as soon as possible for
surgery
- In Rottweilers,
Dobermans, and Weimarauners, clotting times should be assessed to make sure they
do not have a bleeding disorder. Hemophilia and Von Willabrandts disease can
occur in particular lines of these three breeds.
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| Treatment- Emergency
Surgery |
- GDV/bloat is a SURGICAL EMERGENCY
- Priority is to stabilize the animal for surgery with IV fluids,
antibiotics, & analgesics (pain medication) and possibly steroids or
plasma
- The stomach is also decompressed by inserting a needle though the body
wall into the stomach to deflate the stomach & relieve the pressure on the
large blood vessels returning blood to the heart. This provides only
temporary relief until the stomach is untwisted during surgery.
- Surgery- as soon as the patient is stable for anesthesia.
- Untwist stomach, pass stomach tube, and drain gas and fluid from
stomach.
- Evaluate viability of stomach wall and spleen- remove any dead or
necrotic areas of the stomach.
- "Pexy" the stomach- suture it to the abdominal wall so that it can not
twist in the future
- Post-operative therapy includes intensive care with IV fluids,
antibiotics, pain medication, and supportive care as needed.
- Complications include cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure,
vomiting, & peritonitis (infection in the abdomen)
** If a dog presents bloated but the stomach has not yet twisted or has
been pexied, the dog can often
be treated successfully by passing a stomach tube to deflate the stomach. |
| Prognosis |
- Guarded to good depending primarily on the duration between the
onset of bloat, and veterinary attention.
- Without surgery, a dog with a twisted stomach will die a painful
death.
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