Gastric dilatationvolvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that often results in sudden death in dogs; however, the prognosis with surgical correction is excellent. Sudden death is typically related to lack of observation by the pet owner and rapid onset of clinical signs. Thus, pet owners and veterinary team members should be aware of the importance of identifying clinical signs strongly suggestive of GDV (eg, retching, unproductive vomiting, abdominal distension) so that immediate veterinary attention can be sought. Other clinical signs of GDV include hypersalivation, anxiety, pacing, sprung ribs (ie, rib cage distended from the stomach), tachycardia, tachypnea, and abdominal pain.2
Initial stabilization includes placement of a large-bore intravenous catheter, fluid resuscitation, and stomach decompression (either trocarization using aseptic technique or orogastric decompression under sedation; the author prefers trocarization). Once the patient has been stabilized, surgical correction of the stomach, along with gastropexy, should be performed. Postoperative care includes fluid therapy, analgesic therapy, nutritional support, antiarrhythmic therapy (if warranted), blood pressure and ECG monitoring, and supportive care. Although the prognosis for GDV is excellent with prompt surgical intervention (success rates >98%), the prognosis decreases with the presence of gastric necrosis (66%).3