# Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Quick answer. Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself — a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). It is a life-threatening emergency. Signs include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, drooling, and collapse. If you suspect bloat, go to an emergency vet immediately — use the Vets Now clinic finder if your practice is closed. Do not wait for symptoms to pass.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Key takeaways. Bloat/GDV is a life-threatening emergency — a swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, drooling, or collapse means go to a vet now. Large deep-chested breeds are highest risk, but any dog can bloat; delaying even an hour can be fatal. Do not wait at home — phone your vet or use the Vets Now clinic finder for the nearest emergency clinic.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — What is bloat in dogs?. Simple bloat (gastric dilatation) means the stomach distends with gas, fluid, or food. When the stomach also rotates, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply, the condition becomes GDV. Without rapid treatment, shock, tissue death, and death can follow within hours. GDV is one of the most urgent emergencies in veterinary medicine.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Which dogs are at risk?. Risk factors include: - Large, deep-chested breeds — Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Irish Setters, Boxers, and similar builds - Age — middle-aged and older dogs are more commonly affected - Eating habits — gulping large meals quickly, exercising vigorously before or after eating - Family history — dogs with a relative who bloated are at higher risk - Temperament — some studies link nervous or fearful temperament to increased risk Smaller breeds can bloat, but the condition is far more common in large dogs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Symptoms of bloat and GDV. Early signs can be subtle. Watch for: - Restlessness and pacing - Swollen, hard abdomen — may feel like a drum - Repeated attempts to vomit with little or nothing produced - Excessive drooling - Panting or rapid breathing - Pale gums - Weakness or collapse As GDV progresses, the dog goes into shock. Time is critical from the first sign.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs): Bloat in Dogs (GDV) — Emergency treatment. If you suspect bloat: 1. Go to an emergency vet immediately — do not wait 2. Phone ahead so the team can prepare 3. If your daytime practice is closed, use the Vets Now emergency clinic finder (https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/) At the clinic, your vet will stabilise the dog with IV fluids and decompress the stomach. Surgery is usually required to untwist the stomach and assess internal damage. A gastropexy — surgically attaching the stomach to the body wall — is often performed to reduce the chance of future twisting. Survival rates are highest when dogs reach surgery within the first few hours of symptoms.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bloat-in-dogs