What is Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)?
A serious veterinary emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on its own axis, cutting off blood flow; most common in large, deep-chested dogs.
Bloat, technically called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is an emergency that occurs when the stomach rapidly fills with gas (dilatation) and then twists on its own axis (volvulus), blocking the stomach's outlets and cutting off blood flow to the organ and to the spleen, which often twists along with it. It is most common in large and giant deep-chested breeds, such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, Boxers, and German Shepherds, and is associated with factors such as eating too fast, exercising soon after meals, and eating one large meal a day.
Signs appear suddenly and progress rapidly: visible abdominal distension, repeated unproductive attempts to vomit (the dog appears to want to vomit, but little or nothing comes out), restlessness, excessive drooling, intense abdominal pain, and, as the condition progresses, weakness, labored breathing, and collapse from circulatory shock.
Bloat is one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine: without prompt surgery to decompress and reposition the stomach, the mortality rate is very high, often within a few hours. If a dog, especially a large breed, has sudden abdominal distension along with unproductive attempts to vomit, take it to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately — there is no time to lose with this condition.
Important notice
This calculator is for educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.Related terms
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