For many owners of large and giant breed dogs, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is one of the most frightening emergencies their dog could face. It can develop suddenly, become life-threatening within hours, and often requires emergency surgery.
The good news is that for dogs at higher risk, there is a preventative procedure that can dramatically reduce the risk of the stomach twisting.
What is GDV?
GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself. This twist cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and spleen, trapping gas inside and causing rapid deterioration.
Without urgent veterinary treatment, GDV is often fatal.
Dogs most at risk include large and giant breeds with deep chests, such as:
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Boxers
- Standard Poodles
- Weimaraners
- Irish Setters
- Dobermanns
Studies estimate that large and giant breed dogs have a lifetime risk of GDV of more than 5%, while some breeds, such as Great Danes, have a lifetime risk of up to 40%*. While not every dog in these breeds will develop GDV, understanding the risk allows owners to make informed decisions about preventative care.
What is a preventative gastropexy?
A prophylactic gastropexy is a planned surgical procedure performed before a dog experiences GDV.
During the surgery, the stomach is permanently attached to the inside of the abdominal wall. This doesn’t stop the stomach from filling with gas, but it prevents it from twisting, which is the life-threatening part of GDV.
Many owners choose to have a gastropexy performed at the same time as another routine procedure, such as desexing, while their dog is already under anaesthetic.
Maverick’s story
One-year-old German Shepherd Maverick recently visited our surgery team for a preventative gastropexy.
Rather than performing a traditional open surgery, our surgical team carried out an endoscopically assisted gastropexy. This minimally invasive technique is becoming increasingly popular because it achieves the same goal while reducing surgical trauma.
Using a flexible endoscope passed through the mouth, Dr Tammy Gillian inflated Maverick’s stomach and precisely identified the correct attachment site. Through a single small incision just behind the last rib, the stomach was permanently secured to the abdominal wall.
The procedure took around 35 to 45 minutes, and because only one small incision was required, Maverick experienced less post-operative pain than with a traditional open procedure. He recovered smoothly and is now doing well at home.
Why consider preventative surgery?
While a preventative gastropexy is an upfront investment, it can save owners considerable emotional and financial stress in the future.
Emergency GDV surgery is one of the most urgent and complex procedures performed in veterinary medicine. Dogs with GDV often require emergency stabilisation, advanced anaesthesia, surgery and intensive post-operative care, making treatment significantly more expensive than a planned preventative procedure.
Many general practice veterinarians perform preventative gastropexies, while referral hospitals may also offer minimally invasive techniques, such as the endoscopically assisted procedure Maverick received. The right option for your dog will depend on their breed, age and individual circumstances.
Is your dog a candidate?
If you own a large or giant breed dog, particularly one with a deep chest, it’s worth discussing preventative gastropexy with your regular veterinarian.
Your vet can help determine whether your dog is a suitable candidate and, if appropriate, perform the procedure or refer you to a surgical service like the AREC Surgery team.
Planning ahead today could help prevent a life-threatening emergency tomorrow.
*Source: AVMA Journal
