Health

Dogs

Bloat and twisted stomach (GDV)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. It is a life-threatening emergency that needs surgery within hours. Large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds and Setters are most at risk.

What you might notice

• Retching or trying to vomit with nothing coming up.
• A swollen, tight or drum-like belly.
• Restlessness, pacing or being unable to settle.
• Heavy drooling.
• Weakness, pale gums or collapse.

Common causes

• Large or giant breed with a deep, narrow chest.
• Eating one large meal a day, or eating very fast.
• Exercise or excitement around mealtimes.
• A close relative that had GDV.
• Older age and stress.

What you can do at home

• There is no home treatment; phone the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately.
• Keep your dog calm and transport it straight away.
• Call ahead so the clinic can prepare for surgery.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Ask your vet about preventive stomach-fixing surgery (gastropexy) for high-risk breeds, often done at neutering.
• Your dog is a high-risk breed and you want advice on feeding and prevention.
• A relative of your dog has had GDV.

Don't

• Do not wait to see if the belly goes down by itself.
• Do not give food, water or medicines to a dog with suspected bloat.
• Do not walk or exercise a dog hard straight after a large meal.

Prevention

• Feed two or more smaller meals a day instead of one big meal.
• Avoid exercise for a while before and after meals.
• Keep mealtimes calm and slow down fast eaters.
• Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy for at-risk breeds.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.