Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), sometimes referred to as bloat, is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency in dogs. While any dog can technically develop GDV, certain dogs are considerably more at-risk, particularly large and giant breeds with deep chests.
If your dog is more likely to develop GDV, it’s important to monitor them for warning signs and understand what steps you can take to reduce their risk. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking prompt veterinary attention can improve the chances of successful treatment.
What is GDV?
Gastric dilatation and volvulus sort of does exactly what it says on the tin, using anatomical terminology. The condition develops when the stomach becomes distended (dilatation), usually with gas, and then twists (volvulus). Much like a balloon artist twisting a section of an inflated balloon, the twist creates a blockage, preventing the stomach’s contents from passing normally. It can block both the entrance and exit of the stomach, causing the stomach to become increasingly distended.
As the stomach continues to expand and twist, it can put pressure on major blood vessels and the lungs. This can interfere with circulation and breathing and, in severe cases, lead to circulatory shock, tissue damage, and other potentially fatal complications. The spleen can also become affected because of its close position to the stomach. The condition can deteriorate rapidly, so dogs showing possible signs of GDV need urgent veterinary assessment, ideally within minutes-hours.
So, what dogs are at the highest risk of GDV?
Although GDV can occur in any dog, the condition is particularly associated with large, giant and deep-chested breeds. Other characteristics, including age, sex, family history and certain behavioural or feeding factors, may also influence risk. Importantly, being a breed that is considered higher risk does not mean that a dog will definitely develop GDV.
Large and giant dog breeds at higher risk
Large and giant breeds are among those most commonly affected by GDV. Examples of breeds identified as being more susceptible include:
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
- German Shepherds
- Dobermanns
- Weimaraners
- Irish Setters
- Gordon Setters
- Standard Poodles
- Basset Hounds
- Old English Sheepdogs
The exact level of risk varies between these breeds and individual dogs. However, owners of smaller dogs should not assume that their pet has zero risk of developing a GDV.
Deep-chested dogs and why this matters
A dog’s body conformation is also an important factor in GDV risk. Deep-chested dogs have a chest that is relatively long compared with its width, giving them a characteristic narrow, tall body shape. Unfortunately, this conformation is strongly associated with GDV. Breeds such as Great Danes, Dobermanns and German Shepherds are examples of dogs that can have this deep-chested build.
The exact reason why a deep chest increases susceptibility is not completely understood. One theory suggests that this chest conformation gives the stomach more room to rotate on itself when distended with gas.
Age, sex, and other risk factors
Research has revealed that age can also play a role in GDV development. GDV tends to be more common in middle-aged and older dogs, although younger dogs can still be affected. Several other factors associated with increased risk, include:
- Being male
- Having a family history of GDV (parent or full sibling)
- Eating quickly
- Eating only one meal a day
- Being thin or underweight
- Having a fearful, anxious or nervous temperament
- Having a history of aggression
While having one of these risk factors does not mean that a dog will definitely develop GDV, having multiple risk factors may increase their overall likelihood of developing the condition.
What lifestyle and feeding factors may increase risk?
There is no single feeding routine that can guarantee prevention of GDV. However, some feeding and lifestyle factors have been associated with increased risk or are recommended for reducing the likelihood of stomach distension.
Eating very quickly and consuming one large meal rather than several smaller meals are recognised risk factors. Exercise straight after a large meal or drinking a large amount of water may also increase risk.
Can GDV risk be reduced?
For dogs considered particularly high risk, owners can discuss preventative gastropexy with their vet. This procedure surgically attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall, reducing the likelihood of it twisting. It does not prevent the stomach from becoming distended or bloated, but it can help prevent the dangerous twisting component of GDV.
The procedure requires a general anaesthetic, which comes with its own risks. For this reason, some vets may recommend performing a gastropexy alongside another planned surgical procedure, such as neutering, to avoid putting the dog through a separate anaesthetic. Whether this is appropriate depends on the individual dog, including their breed, age, health, and overall risk profile. Your vet can help you weigh up the potential benefits and risks based on your dog’s circumstances.
Owners can also discuss more conservative risk-reduction techniques with their vet. For example, to help mitigate some of the feeding-related factors that may increase the risk of GDV, the following practical measures are often recommended:
- Feed them from the floor, not a raised bowl
- Restrict exercise for one hour before and after feeding
- Restrict car travel for one hour before and after feeding
- Feed several small meals a day instead of one large meal
- Try to encourage your dog to drink little and often (but do not fully withhold water)
- Use a slow feeding bowl
- If you have more than one dog, separate them during mealtimes to stop them from rushing
While these measures may help reduce the risk of GDV, they cannot eliminate it entirely. This is why knowing the warning signs and seeking prompt veterinary attention remains essential.
What are the warning signs of GDV?
GDV can develop quickly, leading to sudden deterioration and collapse. This is why recognising the early warning signs is extremely important.
Common signs include:
- Repeated attempts to vomit or retch without producing anything
- Restlessness or pacing
- Excessive drooling
- A swollen or distended abdomen
- Panting or difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
- Weakness or collapse
A swollen abdomen is not always obvious, so the absence of visible bloating does not rule out GDV. One of the key warning signs is unproductive retching, i.e. repeatedly trying to vomit but producing little or nothing. This occurs because the twisted stomach can obstruct its entrance, preventing its contents from being brought back up.
When should I seek veterinary care?
If you suspect your dog has GDV, contact a vet immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve. Even if symptoms develop in the middle of the night, seek emergency veterinary care without delay. GDV can progress rapidly, so prompt treatment is essential and waiting until the following morning could put your dog’s life at risk.
How will a GDV be treated at the vets?
At the veterinary practice, the immediate priority is to stabilise the dog and relieve pressure caused by the distended stomach. This may involve releasing gas from the stomach, intravenous fluids, pain relief, and other emergency treatment.
Following stabilisation, surgery is generally required to return the stomach to its normal position. Your vet will also assess the stomach and spleen for damaged tissue and may need to remove severely damaged areas. An interventional gastropexy (stitching the stomach to the abdominal wall) may be performed during surgery to reduce the chance of the stomach twisting again.
To be transparent, treating GDV can be expensive, particularly when emergency surgery is required. If your dog is a breed considered at higher risk of GDV, it may be worth checking that your pet insurance policy provides appropriate cover for the condition. Because GDV requires urgent treatment, you may need to use an out-of-hours or emergency veterinary service, which can carry additional costs. When you factor in emergency stabilisation, surgery, hospitalisation, and the increased costs associated with treating larger dogs, the total bill can quickly run into the thousands.
Conclusion
The key thing to remember is that GDV is a serious and potentially life-threatening veterinary emergency, particularly for large, giant and deep-chested dogs. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent it, understanding your dog’s risk factors and taking sensible precautions around feeding and exercise may help reduce the risk.
Most importantly, knowing the warning signs can make a vital difference. If your dog suddenly becomes restless, repeatedly tries to vomit without bringing anything up, develops a swollen abdomen, or shows signs of weakness or collapse, seek veterinary attention immediately.
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