Bloat (GDV) — Emergency Guide
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
What is Bloat (GDV) — Emergency Guide?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off blood supply and shocking the dog. Without emergency surgery, GDV is fatal within hours. Every minute counts — recognise the signs and go immediately.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Restlessness, pacing, inability to settle
- Unproductive retching (attempts to vomit with nothing coming up)
- Distended, tight abdomen
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Collapse, pale gums
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Deep-chested large and giant breeds: Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, Setters
- Age 7+
- Eating one large meal per day from an elevated bowl
- Eating very fast
- Family history of GDV
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: if your breed is at high risk, discuss prophylactic gastropexy at the time of spay/neuter — it dramatically reduces GDV risk.
- Seek urgent care if: unproductive retching plus a distended belly is an emergency. Go directly to a 24-hour hospital.
Diagnosis and management
Emergency decompression, IV fluids, and surgical de-rotation with gastropexy are lifesaving. Preventive gastropexy is highly recommended for at-risk breeds. Feed two or more smaller meals daily from a floor-level bowl and avoid intense exercise right after eating.