GDV (a bloated, twisted stomach), is a painful, life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment.
Bloat and retching are the most common symptoms of a GDV.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog has symptoms of a GDV. Never wait to see if things improve - faster treatment means a better chance of survival.
If your dog has a GDV, they will need an operation to un-twist their stomach but sadly, due to the seriousness of the condition, even with treatment, some GDVs are still fatal.
Deep chested, large and giant breed dogs are most at risk of a GDV.
What is GDV?
A GDV is when the stomach bloats and twists around itself. Once the stomach twists, it quickly starts to fill with gas, causing severe and life threatening bloat. The only cure for a GDV is an operation to reverse the twist but sadly, due to the seriousness of the condition, even with treatment, some GDVs are still fatal.
Symptoms of GDV
Bloat (a swollen tummy)
Retching (trying to vomit without bringing anything up)
Vomiting, excessive drooling, stomach pain, pale gums, collapse.
Symptoms of a GDV tend to start very suddenly, and get worse quickly. Dogs are at more risk after they have eaten or drunk a lot, especially if they exercise straight afterwards.
When to contact your vet
A GDV IS AN EMERGENCY
If your dog is developing symptoms of a GDV, contact your vet immediately. Never wait to see if things improve. The faster your dog is treated, the better their chance of survival.
Treatment
If your vet suspects a GDV, treatment is likely to involve:
X-rays/scans - to confirm the twisted stomach.
A fluid drip - dogs with a GDV tend to go into shock and develop dangerously low blood pressure, a fluid drip helps to keep blood pressure up.
Attempts to reduce bloat - your vet may need to release some of the gas from your dog’s stomach before their operation.
Surgery - your dog will need an operation to untwist their stomach and check it for damage. After untwisting it, your vet may decide to stitch your dog’s stomach into place to reduce the chance of it happening again. Your vet will also check your dog’s spleen because it sits very close to the stomach and can get caught in the twist. The spleen may need to be removed if it’s been badly damaged.
Pain relief - a GDV is an extremely painful condition so pain relief will be given to make your dog more comfortable.
Sadly, in some cases, especially if your dog is very unwell, has other illnesses, or is unlikely to survive the surgery, your vet may discuss putting them to sleep.
After surgery
Recovery - after surgery, your dog may need to stay at your vets to be monitored for complications such as peritonitis (an infection inside the abdomen). They will be able to return home once your vet is happy that they are recovering well.
Home care - once your dog is home, you’ll need to continue monitoring them and look out for symptoms such as:
A reduced appetite
Low energy
Vomiting
Another episode of bloat.
Contact your vet immediately if you’re worried or notice any of the symptoms above.
When you finally welcome home your 8 week old puppies, please keep this picture in mind. Their bones ain't even touching yet. They walk so beautifully with big, flexible legs and bench movements because their joints are made up entirely of cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments covered with skin. Nothing is well adjusted or has real grip yet.
When you make them run excessively or don't limit their exercise to prevent them from overdoing things during that time, you're not giving them the chance to grow properly. Every big jump or bounce and excited run creates bone-breaking impacts.
In reasonable quantities, this is not problematic and normal wear and tear will do.
But when you let the puppy jump off the couch or bed, take him for long walks, you damage this joint in training. When you let the puppy move on slippery tiles, you damage the joint.
You only get one chance with them growing up. A well built body is something that comes from excellent upbringing and good education. BOTH , not just one.
Once they are an adult, you’ll have the rest of your life to spend playing and engaging in high-impact exercises. So keep him calm while he is still young and give him the gift that can only be given once.
Shared from Clinique Vetérinaire Vetolistic - Dr. Marie Eve Cresciuada fames ac.
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