Treating Bloat (GDV) in Dogs

Dog Breeds

If left untreated, and if the dog is suffering from gastric dilatation and volvulus, the dog will die in almost every case. The goals of treating this condition are to resolve the shock caused by reduced blood flow in circulation (hypovolemia), to decompress the bloated stomach,

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Introduction

When an owner sees signs that suggest bloat, they should take their dog to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, and if the dog is suffering from gastric dilatation and volvulus, the dog will die in almost every case. The goals of treating this condition are to resolve the shock caused by reduced blood flow in circulation (hypovolemia), to decompress the bloated stomach, to correct the position of the stomach surgically if it has torsed, to surgically remove devitalized or dying stomach, spleen or intestinal tissues as necessary, and to “tack” the stomach to the abdominal wall through a procedure called “gastropexy” to reduce the chances of recurrence of this condition.

Treatment Options

When a dog comes into the veterinary hospital with clinical signs of bloat, the veterinary team will unite to prepare for emergency surgery to save the dog’s life. Typically, intravenous catheters will be placed to provide fluids for the dog to try to correct shock. Antibiotics may also be given. The bloated stomach may be decompressed by intubation (putting a tube through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach, if possible), to provide an escape route for the accumulating gas). This is called orogastric intubation. If this is not possible or is unsuccessful, the veterinarian may attempt to relieve the gastric distention by a procedure called percutaneous trocarization of the stomach. Basically, this involves preparing the abdominal entry site and then inserting a large needle through the body wall into the stomach. If successful, there will be a hissing sound and foul-smelling gas will come out through the needle, much like “popping” a balloon.

When the stomach has actually flipped over, or torsed, surgery will be necessary to return the stomach to a normal position. There are several different procedures that veterinarians can use to accomplish this result. It may be necessary to remove the spleen as well, if it is involved in the twisting/torsion. When abdominal surgery is performed to correct the consequences of bloat, it typically is recommended that the surgeon tack the stomach to the abdominal wall via a procedure known as a gastropexy. This can greatly reduce the chances of a recurrence of GDV.

Owners should know that heart arrhythmias commonly occur within the first 36 hours after bloat surgery. Most veterinarians will want to keep the dog in the hospital for at least that period of time post-operatively, to monitor the heart’s function.

Prognosis

Dogs who develop bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus) and who are treated surgically still have an approximately 15% chance of dying. It the stomach (gastric) lining has already started necrosing (dying) by the time of surgery, survival rates are even worse. However, if caught early, and if a gastropexy is successfully performed, the chances of recurrence are slim.

Diagnosis and Tests