GDV is a severe and life threatening problem common in large dogs with deep chests, such as the Great Dane, German Shepherd Dog, Saint Bernard and Irish Wolfhound. The condition is a medical emergency and must be treated quickly if the dog is to have any chance of survival. Nevertheless, many dogs will not survive even with the very best of care.
Firstly, the stomach of the dog becomes grossly dilated and gas, fluid and food becomes trapped. Then, rotation of the stomach occurs within the abdomen that totally blocks the esophageal and intestinal openings to the stomach. Furthermore, the twisting sets in play a series of VERY SEVERE heart and metabolic changes that quickly threaten the life of the patient. Collapse and death can occur in hours or even minutes in some cases.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but vets think the causes include eating or drinking large quantities of food and water followed by exercise which serves to loosen the attachments of the stomach; simply eating or drinking too much at one time, trauma, dysfunctions of the sphincter (valve) between the stomach and the esophagus, previous vomiting episodes and other genetic factors not yet understood.
Clinical signs often come on very quickly and totally unexpectedly. It is not uncommon at all to find a dog that was eating and playful down or dead a few hours later. These symptoms include an enlarged or frankly bloated abdomen, unusual posture, collapse, retching or trying to vomit without results, salivation, pale gums, difficulty breathing, blue gums or very red gums and extreme restlessness. Dogs, which start out with a simple bloating due to overeating or excess gas, can quickly be in danger if they are not belching up the gas. Diagnosis is based on the history, physical examination and X-rays. We cannot overemphasize the need to seek rapid attention for any dog with even mild symptoms of GDV.
TREATMENT
OF GASTRIC DILITATION-VOLVULUSRapid administration of IV fluids and electrolytes, oxygen and high levels of cortisone to stabilize the dog is needed. Some dogs may benefit from either passing a stomach tube, which sometimes may be impossible, or trocharizing the distended stomach to relieve the pressure. If a tube can be passed, pumping and flushing the stomach with cool water while under mild sedation may be all that is needed to allow the dog to recover.
In other cases, either the dog will defy decompression or the bloating will recur shortly after treatment. More aggressive therapy is then indicated. This may include some semi-permanent placement of a tube to maintain decompression, or performing surgery to return the stomach to its usual position and hold it there. Continued supportive care with fluids, antibiotics, sedation and steroids will all be needed. In some cases, the stomach will be found to have almost completely rotted and euthanasia may be the only option. In other cases, part of the stomach can be removed and the patient saved.
Of dogs that die, shock, electrolyte disturbances, cardiac arrhythmia and severe infection all contribute to the cause. Survival is based on quick responsive treatment and a little luck. While there is not sure way to prevent GDV, it is advisable to feed more but smaller meals, feed high quality and highly digestible foods, avoid excess water intake at any one time and avoid exercise after meals.