06/10/2025
Please consider a gastropexy for your large breed dog. It could save their life!!
Ask us about this surgery today.
Sharing a post from my work, Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital, today! For the past couple weeks I have been seeing a GDV each week! If I see a dog come in for abdominal distension and non-productive vomiting/retching I quickly take a right lateral x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and trochar (stick a sharp needle into the stomach to deflate it) ASAP while also starting a high volume of IV fluids to then go right into surgery.
“
🚨THIS is GDV – a life-threatening emergency🚨
�This X-ray shows a twisted, gas-filled stomach: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) — one of the most critical surgical emergencies in dogs.
💥 What is GDV?�The stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow and trapping contents. It can progress in minutes and is fatal without urgent surgery.
🛑 Signs to watch for:
* Non-productive retching
* Sudden bloating
* Restlessness or pacing
* Collapse
*
🩺 Treatment:�Emergency surgery is the only life-saving option.
✅ Prevention tips:
* Consider a prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking), especially for deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Standard Poodles.
* Avoid exercise 1 hour before and 2+ hours after meals.
* Feed 2–3 smaller meals daily rather than one large meal.
* Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping.
* Avoid excessive water intake right after eating.
* Limit stress and rapid eating, especially in multi-dog households.
❗But even with the best care, sometimes prevention isn’t possible. Some dogs develop GDV with no clear trigger — knowing the signs and acting fast is key.
⏱️ If you even suspect GDV, don’t wait. Get to an emergency vet immediately.”
