Canine Bloat
(Gastric Dilation-Volvulus Complex)

Canine bloat is a serious medical condition of dogs and a life-threatening emergency. It is termed Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Complex as this describes the course of events. Almost every breed of dog has been affected by GDV but the condition is seen more commonly in large breeds. The Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd Dog seem to be especially susceptible.

The exact cause of GDV has not been determined with any certainty

GDV is widely believed to be caused by excessive swallowing of air while eating, gastrointestinal secretions, and gas from food fermenting in the stomach. Some veterinarians feel that susceptible dogs are born with their stomachs slightly out of position allowing it to twist more easily. Dogs that eat rapidly and then exercise heavily may also be at increased risk. Apparently the heavy, food-filled stomach acts like a pendulum, swinging back and forth until it twists on itself. Composition of the diet does not generally seem to be a cause, nor does it seem to matter whether the dog eats canned or dry food. In older dogs tumors of the spleen or stomach may cause twisting and subsequent blockage. Eating indigestible foreign material may also cause bloating.

Whatever the cause, affected dogs all show similar signs.

Symptoms typical of GDV are anxiety, evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, heavy salivating, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, unproductive attempts to vomit, labored breathing, disinterest in food, and stilted gait. More severe symptoms follow, such as dark red, blue, grey or white gums, a rapid heartbeat and a weak pulse.

Initially affected dogs are anxious, restless, not interested in food or water, vomit once or twice then follow this with retching and gagging motions which are usually unproductive. There are no abnormal bowel movements. After 30-60 minutes the dog begins to appear swollen in its midsection due to accumulation of gas in the stomach. Dogs begin to pant heavily and breathing becomes rapid and shallow. In most cases of GDV, the stomach undergoes a "volvulus" or twist. This closes both the esophagus (inlet) and pylorus (outlet) preventing the dog from relieving the gas pressure. The condition is rapidly fatal in dogs, causing shock, coma, and death within 6-12 hours. Diagnosis is relatively easy based on breed, history, and clinical signs though your vet may take x-rays of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis.

If you suspect your dog may be showing signs call your vet AT ONCE for instructions.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the gas pressure and returning the stomach to its normal position. Your vet will remove pressure via a stomach tube or trocar tube through the body wall, then prepare the dog for exploratory surgery to find the exact problem and correct it. The stomach can be tacked down (gastropexy) to help prevent recurrence, but these stitches may break down over time. Occasionally bloat can be treated without surgery by washing out the stomach with a special stomach tube.

Death loss due to GDV is very high (sadly, approximately half of the cases do not survive). Often owners delay in presenting the dog for emergency care because they are unaware of the seriousness of the condition. Also, once the stomach has undergone volvulus, many metabolic poisons build up resulting in damage to the stomach wall, liver, spleen, and heart muscle. Frequently these poisons will cause the heart to stop during surgery or they may circulate for several days post-operatively and continue to pose a threat. Post-operative infection can also cause problems.

Preventive strategy

Newer anesthesia methods have helped us treat this condition more successfully, but we are still unable to offer much in the way of preventive medicine. No medication or screen tests are available. The best advice at the present time is to feed our large breed dogs small amounts more frequently, avoid vigorous exercise, excitement and stress one hour before and two hours after feeding and avoid lots of twisting or rolling play particularly shortly after feeding (walking is okay because it helps stimulate normal gastrointestinal function), ensure water is always available but limit the amount immediately after feeding, watch for any actions or behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort (abdominal fullness, pacing, salivating, whining, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, anxiety and unsuccessful attempts to vomit, etc.)