Gastric volvulus and dilation (GVD) or "bloat" is a common life-threatening condition that affects many large breed dogs. It is characterized by a trememdous ballooning (dilation) of the stomach with gas and frothy material.  Dilation may be followed by twisting of the stomach (volvulus) that closes both the inlet and outlet of the stomach.  As swelling continues, shock develops as the swollen stomach blocks return of blood from the abdomen to the heart.  Widespread tissue damage and kidney failure develop and death from respiratory and cardiac arrest soon follow.  This condition appears suddenly in apparently healthy dogs.

Some of the breeds affected by this dangerous condition are:

• Great Danes
• Irish Wolf Hounds
• German Shepherds
• Blood Hounds
• Gordon Setters
• Weimaraners
• St. Bernards
• Irish Setters
• Standard Poodles
• Doberman Pinschers

The condition is rapidly progressive and life-threatening, which requires immediate emergency surgery and veterinary care that can cost thousands of dollars.

A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (May-June 2013) that "no dog experienced GDV (gastro volvulus and dialation) after IG (incisional gastropexy)".

Why wait until the life-threatening condition has occurred? A preventative procedure called incisional gastropexy is now available for your pet at Churchville Veterinary Hospital.