Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GVD), also known as Bloat or Twisted Stomach, is a life-threatening condition that commonly affects large, deep-chested breeds like Standard Poodles, Doodles, and Great Danes. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists upon itself, cutting off blood flow and causing severe pain, shock, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
One preventative measure that can be taken is a surgical procedure called prophylactic gastropexy. This involves tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall, which helps prevent the stomach from twisting. It’s typically performed when the dog is young, often during spaying or neutering. Consult your veterinarian to determine if this procedure is right for your dog.
To further reduce the risk of GVD, consider these additional steps:
- Feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
- Encourage your dog to eat slowly by using a slow feeder bowl or puzzle feeder.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or play for at least an hour after meals.
- Provide fresh water at all times, but discourage excessive drinking immediately after eating.
By incorporating this information into our website, we hope to raise awareness and help pet owners take steps to prevent GVD in their dogs.