Health A-Z
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Owner and veterinary guidance with linked treatments and source citations.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Species: Dog
Breeds Affected: Large, Deep-Chested Breeds (Great Dane, St. Bernard, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, etc.)
Clinical review: Veterinary reviewer metadata is not available yet.
Guidance by audience
Use the global Pet owner/Vet toggle in the header. Each mode shows only what that audience needs.
For Pet Owners
Quick summary
Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and fluid (dilatation) and then twists upon itself (volvulus), cutting off its own blood supply and trapping contents. This leads to rapid onset shock. It most often affects large, deep-chested breeds and can be triggered by factors like eating a large meal followed by exercise, gulping food/air, or stress. Without immediate treatment, GDV is usually fatal. Track appetite, hydration, stool/urine changes, energy level, and symptom pattern over time.
Red flags
Call your vet today: Persistent or worsening symptoms. Emergency now: Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
What to expect at the vet
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Prevention checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
For Veterinarians
Diagnostics
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Differentials
Differential diagnosis considerations are not available yet.
Treatment considerations
Emergency treatment is required. The goals are to stabilize the dog, decompress the stomach, and surgically correct the twist. Upon arrival, the vet will immediately start shock therapy – IV fluids to counteract shock and maybe pain medications. The stomach is then decompressed either by passing a tube down to release gas or, if twisted and tube can’t pass, by inserting a large needle through the abdomen into the stomach to relieve pressure. Once stabilized, the dog undergoes surgery to untwist the stomach and assess any damage. The surgeon will also perform a gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) to prevent future torsion. Post-op intensive care is needed (fluids, monitoring for arrhythmias). If treated in time, many dogs survive GDV; prognosis worsens the longer the stomach is twisted.
Follow-up strategy
Follow-up strategy is not available yet.
What To Do Now
Escalate care quickly if symptoms worsen, persist, or include emergency warning signs.
| Urgency | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Call your vet today | Persistent or worsening symptoms | Call your veterinarian the same day for guidance and exam scheduling. |
| Emergency now | Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
Prevention Checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
Treatments and Medication Links
Use these medication pages as a reference for options your veterinarian may discuss.
Detailed treatment strategy remains in the Vet view to avoid duplicate narrative blocks.
No linked medications are available yet.
Find a Vet Near YouFrequently Asked Questions
FAQ content is not available for this condition yet.
Data Sources
Last updated: February 16, 2026, 11:11 AM UTC
View source list
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Owner_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Reference search for condition background. -
Triage · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Clinical triage framing. -
Vet_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Clinical workflow reference. -
Diagnosis · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Guideline discovery link. -
Prevention · public_health
https://www.cdc.gov/search/?query=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Public health discovery link. -
Treatment_overview · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Bloat+%28Gastric+Dilatation-Volvulus%29Treatment guideline discovery link.
Revision History
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:10 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
Related Media
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