Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Syndrome in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Syndrome
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

A life-threatening condition, GDV is caused by the distension of the stomach with air accompanied by the twisting of the stomach on its axis. The enlarged stomach exerts pressure on other digestive organs and interferes in the blood circulation. A common cause of death is oxygen-deprivation in tissues resulting in the release of toxins into the blood stream and eventually cardiac arrhythmias. Deep-chested dog breeds are susceptible to GDV. Other predisposing factors which have been identified include exercise after eating, high water consumption, overeating, single-day feeding, rapid eating, and stress. Dogs suffering from bloat are first noticed to be uncomfortable and appear bloated. There may also be unproductive retching. Without treatment, a dog may become comatose and death may be likely to occur. Prompt diagnosis and treatment should be quickly initiated. Knowing the predisposing factors can help protect your dog from this life-threatening condition.

Breeds exposed to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Syndrome – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Cheasapeake Bay Retriever Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Elkhound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“English Setter Cross – (Rubin 1989
German Wire Haired Pointer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Basset Hound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boston Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Akita Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Beagle Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Rhodesian Ridgeback Cross – (Rubin 1989
Newfoundland Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Akita Inu Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Wolfhound Cross – (Rubin 1989
St Bernard Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Leonberger Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
“Irish Wolfhound Cross – (Rubin 1989
German Shepherd Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnoodle Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Schnauzer Giant Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
German Shepherd – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Wire Haired Pointer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Great Dane – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Newfoundland – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
St Bernard – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Cheasapeake Bay Retriever – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Japanese Akita – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Afghan Hound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Akita Inu – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Basset Hound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Beagle – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bloodhound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boston Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bullmastiff – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alsatian – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Akita – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bloodhound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bullmastiff Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Standard Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Great Dane Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Elkhound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Standard – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Schnoodle – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Leonberger – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Schnauzer Giant – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
“Rhodesian Ridgeback – (Rubin 1989
“English Setter – (Rubin 1989
“Irish Wolfhound – (Rubin 1989
“Wolfhound – (Rubin 1989
Japanese Akita Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Syndrome or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.