GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS (GDV):

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition whereby the stomach twists on itself, trapping air within it. The increasing pressure from the trapped air within the stomach decreases blood flow, resulting in low blood pressure, shock and sepsis. The condition is fatal without intervention.

CAUSE:

The cause is not completely understood but specific risk factors have been identified:

· Pure-bred large and giant breed dogs

· Deep-chested dogs

· History of GDV in the dog’s lineage

· Feeding one large meal per day

· Eating too fast

· Exercise or a stressful event after eating

BREEDS AT RISK:

Great Danes, Irish Setters, Weimaraners, Boerboels, St. Bernards, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and any other giant breeds.

CLINICAL SIGNS:

· Bloating

· Unproductive retching/vomiting

· Restlessness and panting

· Excessive salivation

DIAGNOSIS:

The diagnosis is made on history, physical examination and radiography.

TREATMENT:

The goal of treatment is to stabilise the patient before surgery. This includes:

· Fluid therapy

· Monitoring the heart for arrhythmias

· Decompressing the air within the stomach

SURGERY:

Once the patient is stable and the stomach has been decompressed; abdominal surgery is performed to correct the stomach’s position. The stomach is stitched to the body wall to prevent future GDVs. This procedure is known as a gastropexy. In some cases, the spleen may need to be removed too (splenectomy) or parts of the stomach that may have died off (partial gastrectomy) due to prolonged, poor blood supply.

POST-OP:

Initial intense post-operative care is needed- monitoring the patient’s fluid status, heart status, electrolytes and treating sepsis if present.

PROGNOSIS:

The survival rate is around 70% if presented within 6 hours without complications. This value decreases significantly with an increased time to presentation and if complications occur.

Recurrence of GDV after the gastropexy procedure is very low, around 3%.