GDV or "Bloat" Information
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening veterinary emergency. If you suspect your Great Dane is experiencing bloat or GDV, do not wait to see if the symptoms improve. Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.
The information and recommendations shared on this page reflect my experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Great Dane breeder. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, every dog is unique, and veterinary recommendations may vary depending on the individual patient. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health and any questions about GDV prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening veterinary emergency. If you suspect your Great Dane is experiencing bloat or GDV, do not wait to see if the symptoms improve. Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.
The information and recommendations shared on this page reflect my experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Great Dane breeder. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, every dog is unique, and veterinary recommendations may vary depending on the individual patient. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health and any questions about GDV prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Bloat (GDV)
Most Great Dane owners have heard of the dreaded word "bloat." The medical term is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), and it is one of the most serious medical emergencies a dog can experience. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off blood supply and causing rapid shock. Without immediate veterinary intervention and surgery, GDV is often fatal. While GDV is more common in deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, it can occur in dogs of any breed and, in rare cases, even in other species. Because of the increased risk in Great Danes, many owners choose to have a gastropexy (commonly referred to as a "tack") performed at the time of spay or neuter. During this procedure, the stomach is surgically attached to the body wall. While a gastropexy does not prevent the stomach from filling with gas, it significantly reduces the risk of the stomach twisting, which is the life-threatening component of GDV. Early signs of bloat can be subtle and may vary from dog to dog. Some dogs simply appear restless, uncomfortable, or "not quite right." Others may pace, repeatedly change positions, lick their lips, seek grass to eat, or attempt to ingest unusual objects. As the condition progresses, affected dogs may develop abdominal distension, unsuccessful attempts to vomit or retch, and the production of thick, white, foamy saliva. Although GDV can occur at any time and in seemingly healthy dogs, many owners report episodes occurring during periods of increased stress or excitement. Examples may include changes in routine, boarding, travel, veterinary visits, a female in season, or other significant events. While the exact cause of GDV remains unknown, it is always wise to monitor your dog closely during times of stress. If you suspect your Great Dane may be experiencing bloat, do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Early recognition and prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. 
The Classic 'Double Bubble' on X-ray
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This is a product many Great Dane owners like to have on hand in case their dogs have some tummy troubles. It is not a treatment for GDV but can help relieve gas associated with mild gas distension—not GDV or torsion.
Bloat Buster can be purchased in Canada from Copper Hollow.
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🩹 Bloat Buster & Simethicone
Bloat Buster is a product some Great Dane owners choose to keep on hand for mild gas or digestive discomfort. It is not a treatment for GDV and should never delay emergency veterinary care. Bloat Buster can be purchased in Canada from Copper Hollow. It is extremely important to understand that these products do NOT treat Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). If your dog's stomach has twisted, no medication given at home can correct the problem. Emergency surgery is the only effective treatment. If you suspect your Great Dane has bloat or GDV:
Never delay going to the vet to administer Bloat Buster or Simethicone. Think of Bloat Buster as a first-aid item, not a treatment for GDV. Early recognition and rapid veterinary intervention remain the most important factors in saving your dog's life. |
Below are some photos and additional links to learn more about this life-threatening condition.
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Preparedness can save your dog's life. Download and print this quick reference guide to keep on your refrigerator, in your vehicle, RV, dog show bag, or first aid kit. Having the signs of GDV readily available can help you recognize an emergency quickly and seek veterinary care without delay.
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- AKC: Bloat (or GDV) in Dogs: What It Is and How It's Treated
www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/ - A new twist on the microbiota of man’s best friend https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/spotlight/2018/08/crd_hullar_plosone.html?fbclid=IwAR1s9Q7pJt3QNY7QqqQSU81jlhKd_OM40rHlnNLnN41g-tq0wC_rGW2y_Lk
- Bloat, The Mother of All Emergencies
https://thebark.com/content/bloat-mother-all-dog-emergencies
🩺 Preventing GDV: What is a Gastropexy?
A gastropexy is a surgical procedure performed to permanently attach the stomach to the body wall, helping to prevent it from twisting (volvulus). While a gastropexy does not prevent the stomach from filling with gas (bloat), it significantly reduces the risk of the stomach rotating—a life-threatening complication that requires emergency surgery.
Great Danes are one of the breeds at highest risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). For this reason, many veterinarians recommend discussing a prophylactic (preventative) gastropexy with your veterinarian, particularly for healthy Great Danes undergoing another planned surgical procedure, such as a spay or neuter.
A gastropexy can be performed through a traditional surgical incision or using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. When performed electively on a healthy dog, the procedure generally has a lower risk, shorter recovery time, and significantly lower cost than emergency surgery for GDV.
Although a gastropexy greatly reduces the risk of the stomach twisting, it does not eliminate the risk of bloat. Dogs that have had a gastropexy can still develop gastric dilatation (gas accumulation) and require immediate veterinary attention. Owners should continue to recognize the signs of bloat and seek emergency veterinary care if they suspect their dog is experiencing a GDV-related emergency.
Should Every Great Dane Have a Gastropexy?
There is no single right answer for every dog. The decision should be made after discussing your Great Dane's individual risk factors, age, overall health, and lifestyle with your veterinarian.
From my perspective as both a Registered Veterinary Technician and Great Dane breeder, I encourage every Great Dane owner to have a conversation with their veterinarian about a preventative gastropexy. Given the breed's high risk of GDV and the life-threatening nature of the condition, many owners find that the benefits of a planned preventative procedure outweigh the risks of facing an emergency later in life.
A gastropexy is a surgical procedure performed to permanently attach the stomach to the body wall, helping to prevent it from twisting (volvulus). While a gastropexy does not prevent the stomach from filling with gas (bloat), it significantly reduces the risk of the stomach rotating—a life-threatening complication that requires emergency surgery.
Great Danes are one of the breeds at highest risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). For this reason, many veterinarians recommend discussing a prophylactic (preventative) gastropexy with your veterinarian, particularly for healthy Great Danes undergoing another planned surgical procedure, such as a spay or neuter.
A gastropexy can be performed through a traditional surgical incision or using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. When performed electively on a healthy dog, the procedure generally has a lower risk, shorter recovery time, and significantly lower cost than emergency surgery for GDV.
Although a gastropexy greatly reduces the risk of the stomach twisting, it does not eliminate the risk of bloat. Dogs that have had a gastropexy can still develop gastric dilatation (gas accumulation) and require immediate veterinary attention. Owners should continue to recognize the signs of bloat and seek emergency veterinary care if they suspect their dog is experiencing a GDV-related emergency.
Should Every Great Dane Have a Gastropexy?
There is no single right answer for every dog. The decision should be made after discussing your Great Dane's individual risk factors, age, overall health, and lifestyle with your veterinarian.
From my perspective as both a Registered Veterinary Technician and Great Dane breeder, I encourage every Great Dane owner to have a conversation with their veterinarian about a preventative gastropexy. Given the breed's high risk of GDV and the life-threatening nature of the condition, many owners find that the benefits of a planned preventative procedure outweigh the risks of facing an emergency later in life.