Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is the acute distension of the stomach with gas, followed by rotation of the stomach about its own axis, in large and giant breed dogs. Venous return collapses, the gastric wall and spleen lose their blood supply, and the dog can die within hours without decompression and surgery.
Key facts
Gastric dilatation-volvulus at a glance- Species and system: dog; gastrointestinal, with cardiovascular and metabolic consequences.
- Typical patient: middle-aged to older large or giant breed with a deep, narrow chest (Great Dane, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, Irish and Gordon Setter, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, Basset Hound).
- Classic presentation: unproductive retching, hypersalivation, restlessness and a distending, tympanic cranial abdomen.
- Imaging: right lateral radiograph showing a gas-filled pylorus craniodorsal to the fundus with a soft-tissue shelf between them.
- Treatment: shock fluids through cranial veins, gastric decompression, then surgery with derotation and gastropexy.
- Not zoonotic, not reportable.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 7 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 16 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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