Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome

Dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome (GDV) require immediate medical and surgical care to improve the odds of survival. The etiology of GDV is still generally unknown, although numerous conformational, dietary, and environmental risk factors have been investigated. There is a wide spectrum of presentation of dogs with GDV. Astute and educated owners may pick up on subtle clinical signs, such as mild abdominal distension and increased salivation. However, often the dog is not brought in until more overt signs are present. Diagnosis and emergency treatment of GDV are often performed based off of a high index of suspicion from signalment, presentation, and physical examination findings (i.e. a large or giant deep-chested dog with high anxiety and restlessness, non-productive retching and hypersalivation, signs of cardiovascular compromise, and abdominal distension or tympany) ...