Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly called “bloat” or “torsion,” is an extremely serious medical condition where a dog’s stomach becomes filled with gas that cannot escape. The stomach also can rotate around its short axis, often carrying the spleen along for the dangerous ride. By itself, “bloat” technically refers only to the gaseous distension of the stomach, without the flipping-over, or “torsion,” part of the condition. However, most owners think of “bloat” as referring
“Bloat” in dogs is a term commonly used to refer to a medical condition called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, or “GDV.” Other common names for GDV include “stomach torsion,” “spleen torsion,” “torsion” or “twisted stomach.” GDV is an extremely serious medical condition and must be considered to be a life-threatening emergency when it happens. It is extremely painful and is a true emergency. A dog with a bloated and twisted stomach will die in great
Clinical signs of bloat are not always easy to distinguish from other kinds of gastrointestinal distress. A dog that stands uncomfortably and seem to be in discomfort for no apparent reason could be suffering from bloat (medically referred to as gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV), or from a number of other unrelated conditions. However, bloat is a life-threatening condition and a true medical emergency. Recognizing the signs of bloat is extremely important for any
Bloat, which is a medical condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is an extremely serious condition that can occur in any dog but is most common in older large and giant breed dogs with narrow, deep chests. It is not difficult for a skilled veterinarian to diagnose bloat (and/or torsion, a common accompanying condition where the stomach twists on its axis, blocking the entry or exit of accumulating gas).A diagnosis of bloat is made
When an owner sees signs that suggest bloat, they should take their dog to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, and if the dog is suffering from gastric dilatation and volvulus, the dog will die in almost every case. The goals of treating this condition are to resolve the shock caused by reduced blood flow in circulation (hypovolemia), to decompress the bloated stomach, to correct the position of the stomach surgically if it has torsed,