Emergency·15 April 2026·5 min read
Bloat (GDV): The Deep-Chested Dog Emergency
A killer that strikes within hours. Recognise it. Drive immediately.
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What GDV is
Gastric dilatation-volvulus - the stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis. Blood supply to stomach cuts off, shock develops fast, death within hours without surgery.
Breeds at highest risk
Great Dane, German Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Doberman, Saint Bernard, Weimaraner.
The signs
- Restlessness, pacing, cannot get comfortable
- Distended, hard abdomen - dramatic
- Unproductive retching
- Excessive drooling
- Collapse
What to do
Drive to the vet immediately. This is a surgical emergency. Every minute costs.
What NOT to do
- Wait and see
- Try to burp the dog
- Feed or water
Prevention
For at-risk breeds:
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- No vigorous exercise 1 hour around meals
- Prophylactic gastropexy - done at time of spay/neuter - eliminates the twist risk
Discuss prophylactic gastropexy if you have a Great Dane or similar.
Frequently asked
Rarely. Risk is overwhelmingly in deep-chested medium and large breeds.
With early surgery 70-90%. Late presentation drops below 50%.
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