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Many people confuse the word bloat with the condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Bloat is when the stomach gets filled, usually with food or gas (or both), and you can eventually notice it outwardly…think of a ballooned out abdomen 

Sometimes dogs, especially puppies, are “bloated” from a belly full of ‘worms’ as well, so deworming is a good idea in any pup.

GDV, however, starts as bloat, and in some dogs, most commonly big, deep-chested dogs who are either too active after eating or eat too fast or from non-elevated bowls, can have their stomach twist after being filled up, cutting off the chances of the stomach emptying either by vomiting or defecating. This is lethal if not treated immediately and needs to be surgically treated. The surgeon will have to open the abdomen, untwist the stomach and will often then staple to stomach to the body wall to help prevent the recurrence in the future; dogs who get GDV once are more prone to have it again if this isn’t done.

It’s a good idea to learn about GDV when you own a large breed dog, especially the deep chested dogs. I most often see the following with this problem: Great Danes, Akitas, Boxers, Shepherds, Mastiffs. Even though it is more common in the largest of breeds other dogs can and do get GDV as well. It’s important to not overfill bellies even in smaller dogs. And even bloat without the twisting can cause illness, many times requiring us to extract the contents in order to make them feel better. Here’s a link to read more about it:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1571&articleid=402

Even this article refers to GDV as ‘bloat’ which technically is incorrect. It is GDV after bloat.

Dogs who chronically bloat, without twisting, from gas can often improve significantly with a diet change. Some diets are more gas producing than others, and the problem should be discussed with your vet.

Christine, LVT

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