---
title: "GDV – Some Frightening Facts"
url: https://healthierdogs.com/gdv-some-frightening-facts/
type: post
date: 2017-07-06
modified: 2018-03-18
markdown_url: https://healthierdogs.com/gdv-some-frightening-facts.md
author: "Brigitte Smith"
---

# GDV – Some Frightening Facts

In July 2009 I posted the story of my Rottweiler, Kara, then aged 14, and her brush with death earlier that year when she suffered from [GDV](http://HealthierDogs.com/dog-stories/gdv) - [Gastric Dilitation Volvulus](http://HealthierDogs.com/dog-stories/gdv).  Read that story [here](http://HealthierDogs.com/dog-stories/gdv). ![GDV](http://healthierdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/GDV5-300x268.png)

A large number of pet owners (probably a large majority, actually) have no idea about this life threatening condition.

And sadly, by the time some pet owners learn about it, it is too late, and they have lost their dog to GDV.

So what causes GDV, and what is this condition exactly?

So what are the risk factors for GDV?

What should you do if you see symptoms in your dog suggestive of GDV?

**What exactly is GDV, and what causes it?**

Gastric Dilitation and Volvulus basically means stomach dilation (also often called "Bloat"), and a twisting of the stomach - this twisting causes the ends of the stomach to be closed off from the openings leading in from the esophagus and out to the intestines.

Gastric Dilitation on its own is not a serious condition, but it is the Volvulus - the twisting that makes this condition life threatening.

If the stomach twists far enough, the spleen and major blood vessels in the area twist as well. It is the twisted blood vessels that cause a loss of blood flow (ischemia) to the stomach and other abdominal organs which can cause considerable tissue damage, and ultimately necrosis (tissue death).![GDV](http://healthierdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/GDV6-300x99.jpg)

If the blood flow is simply allowed to return, the damaged cellular material from the traumatized tissues is released into the blood and can be harmful to other organs, which can be a cause of death during or immediately following surgery. When the blood supply in the abdomen's major arteries is cut off, blood flow to the heart and cardiac output decrease, leading to low blood pressure.  This can also be a cause of death during or after surgery.

**Risk Factors:**

Large chested dogs are more prone to GDV than smaller dogs.  In particular, if you have a German Shepherd or Great Dane, or any large breed of dog, you should be more concerned about the condition than if you have a small dog (although they are not immune from suffering GDV).

Feeding once per day.

Drinking a large amount of water after eating.

Exercising after eating.

Rolling on back after eating.

**What should you do if you see symptoms in your dog suggestive of GDV?**

If your dog has any of the following symptoms (and particularly if there are several of these symptoms in combination:

- Retching (unproductive vomiting)

- Disorientation

- Abdomen feels hard

- Abdomen looks swollen ![GDV](http://healthierdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/GDV4-300x186.jpg)

- Excessive panting

- Unexplained lethargy

- Restlessness

- Excessive salivation

- Pale gums

call your vet immediately.  Do not delay for a moment.  Every minute can count.  Dogs who suffer this condition can die in hours, sometimes less.  And by the time you notice any symptoms, the condition can be well advanced.

If your veterinary surgery is closed, call the emergency vet, or take your dog to the emergency pet hospital in your area, but do not do nothing.

This is an emergency.  In fact, many veterinary commentators refer to it as the mother of all emergencies.

**Important Notes:**

Please note that this is not to be construed as medical advice whatsoever.  It is an account of my personal experience with a dog with GDV, and a summary of the information I have subsequently learned about the condition.

While I often advocate making informed decisions after conferring with your vet, but not necessarily following every piece of advice your vet gives you unquestioningly, in this particular instance, it is life threatening for your dog to do anything but take your dog to your vet immediately.

Do NOT delay - I just can't stress that enough.  I so nearly lost my beautiful Kara, simply because I thought she was affected by the heat that day, and nothing more, when it was oh, so much more serious than that.