Gastric dilatation-volvulus
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Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a nightmare for many owners of large dogs. Fortunately, there is an effective preventive surgery to protect your pet: gastropexy. Here is everything you need to know in simple terms.
What is “torsion”?
Imagine your dog’s stomach as a balloon. For various reasons that are not fully understood, it can sometimes rapidly fill with gas and dilate. The real danger occurs when the stomach pivots and twists on itself.
Stages of stomach dilation and torsion.
[!] The “tied balloon” effect: Once twisted, the stomach is completely blocked. Nothing can enter or exit (no gas, no food, no water).
The swollen stomach then crushes the large blood vessels. This becomes an absolute emergency: without immediate surgery, the dog suffers immensely and it is fatal within a few hours.
Is my dog at risk?
All dogs can be affected, but the risk is much higher in large breed dogs with deep, wide chests.
The most commonly affected breeds are:
➤ Great Dane (40% risk)
➤ Saint Bernard
➤ German Shepherd
➤ Greyhound
➤ Weimaraner
➤ Boxer
➤ Saint Bernard
➤ German Shepherd
➤ Greyhound
➤ Weimaraner
➤ Boxer
Note: Having a parent that has suffered from torsion also increases the risk.
Preventive Gastropexy
It is a surgery that prevents torsion before it occurs. In predisposed breeds, it is highly recommended today.
How does it protect?
The veterinarian permanently attaches a part of the stomach to the abdominal wall. This dramatically prevents torsion.
The veterinarian permanently attaches a part of the stomach to the abdominal wall. This dramatically prevents torsion.
The right time
Often performed at the time of spaying or neutering, which allows both procedures to be done under a single anesthesia.
Often performed at the time of spaying or neutering, which allows both procedures to be done under a single anesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery is generally simple and very similar to that of a spay/neuter. For about 10 to 14 days, you must:
✔Keep the dog calm
✔Only take leash walks
✔Avoid running, jumping, and vigorous play
✔Keep the surgical incision clean and dry
Note: Less invasive camera-assisted techniques (laparoscopy) exist for even faster recovery.
Why take the step?
[ – ] Without protection
The dog remains at risk of complete torsion. An absolute emergency requiring immediate, complex, and very costly surgery.
[ + ] With gastropexy
The risk of the stomach twisting is dramatically reduced, bringing true peace of mind for their entire life.
A doubt? A question?
Talk to us about it during your next visit. We will gladly evaluate together if this protection is ideal for them!
