Key Points to Discuss with the Pet Owners 

• Some dogs may have a genetic or familial predisposition to GDV.
• Avoid feeding one large meal per day; offer several small meals instead.
• Do not allow vigorous exercise immediately after eating.
• Feed a high-quality protein, low-fat diet and avoid easily fermentable diets.
• The average hospital stay is 3–7 days.
• The reported mortality rate is 15%–18%.
• Gastropexy (stomach tack-down surgery) reduces the risk but does not completely prevent future GDV episodes.

Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV)

GDV is a life-threatening condition seen mainly in large- and giant-breed, deep-chested dogs aged 2–10 years, but it can occasionally occur in small breeds.

The exact cause is not fully understood.

Factors that may contribute include:

• Diet and exercise
• Delayed gastric emptying
• Pyloric obstruction
• Aerophagia (swallowing air)
• Overeating (gastric engorgement)

Some affected dogs may have gastric dysrhythmias (abnormal stomach contractions) that increase the risk of GDV.

As the stomach fills with air, food, or fluid, the stomach outlets can become blocked.

The stomach may:

• Become dilated (gas-filled), or
• Twist on its longitudinal axis (volvulus).

During volvulus, the pylorus moves beneath the stomach and lies above the cardia on the left side of the abdomen.

The enlarged stomach:

• Presses against the diaphragm, causing breathing difficulty.
• Compresses the hepatic portal vein and caudal vena cava, reducing venous return.

Increased pressure within the stomach wall decreases blood supply, leading to ischemia and possible gastric wall necrosis.

The spleen may become congested.

Endotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract activate inflammatory mediators.

The final result is hypovolemic and endotoxic shock.