Bloat (GDV) in Dogs

Category
Digestive
Inheritance
Multifactorial
Breeds documented
72
Published sources
17

Overview

During gastric dilatation-volvulus, often called GDV or bloat, the stomach becomes enlarged and twisted. Gas becomes trapped, and restricted circulation can damage the stomach wall. The swollen stomach can press on major blood vessels, reducing blood returning to the heart, and can make breathing harder. These changes can leave organs without enough oxygen and disturb the heart's rhythm, making GDV an emergency that needs immediate veterinary care.

Signs to watch for

  • Repeated attempts to vomit that bring up nothing
  • A swollen or painful belly
  • Heavy drooling
  • Pacing or unusual restlessness
  • Panting or trouble breathing
  • Weakness or collapse

Signs can begin suddenly, and GDV becomes more likely with increasing age.

Emergency Go to a veterinary clinic or emergency hospital immediately if these signs appear.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets use the dog's history, examination and belly X-rays to identify GDV. The X-rays help distinguish a swollen stomach alone from one that has also twisted. Blood tests check blood cell counts and salts in the bloodstream. A heart rhythm test called an electrocardiogram, or ECG, can detect abnormal heartbeats.

Breeds with documented risk

72 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Small
  • 13 Medium
  • 38 Large
  • 20 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

All 72 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Multifactorial

    Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.

    As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or “bloat”: vet.cornell.edu
  2. merckvetmanual.com
  3. acvs.org
  4. hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu
  5. Broholmer: kennelliitto.fi
  6. Dorkie: petmd.com
  7. Giant Schnoodle: petmd.com
  8. Greenland Dog: skk.se
  9. Irish Doodle: petmd.com
  10. Polish Tatra Sheepdog: zkwp-lodz.pl
  11. Sheepadoodle: petmd.com
  12. Shepadoodle: petmd.com
  13. Sheprador: petmd.com
  14. Standard Aussiedoodle: petmd.com
  15. Standard Bernedoodle: petmd.com
  16. Standard Goldendoodle: petmd.com
  17. Swedish Elkhound (jämthund): skk.se