gastric dilatation volvulus

References

gastric dilatation volvulus

disease

Also known as: GDV, gastric dilation volvulus, gastric torsion volvulus(Show More)

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a serious medical emergency primarily affecting large and giant-breed dogs. This condition occurs when the stomach twists in the abdominal cavity, cutting off blood supply and causing it to fill with gas. Early symptoms can include restlessness, unsuccessful attempts to vomit or defecate, abdominal swelling, and distention of the rib cage. Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial for survival. Bloat is distinct from bloat in ruminant animals, which involves gas distention of the rumen due to fermentation.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Akita
Care and upkeep
Some Akitas develop gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), a bloating condition that is potentially fatal and may require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. The breed is also susceptible to patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and hypothyroidism. As with all large breeds prone to hip dysplasia, puppies should be fed…
Read More
Some Akitas develop gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), a bloating condition that is potentially fatal and may require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. The breed is also susceptible to patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and hypothyroidism. As with all large breeds prone to hip dysplasia, puppies should be fed…
Read More

Basset Hound
Care and upkeep
…breed is also subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists within the body, cutting off the flow of food and water to the intestines and the flow of blood from the stomach back to the heart. To prevent this condition, many owners elect to…
Read More
…breed is also subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists within the body, cutting off the flow of food and water to the intestines and the flow of blood from the stomach back to the heart. To prevent this condition, many owners elect to…
Read More

Bloodhound
Care and upkeep
…food—putting them at risk for gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), in which the stomach twists, cutting off the blood flow to vital organs, sending the dog into shock, and potentially causing a buildup of toxins that can cause the heart to stop. Bloodhound owners should learn to recognize the symptoms of this…
Read More
…food—putting them at risk for gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), in which the stomach twists, cutting off the blood flow to vital organs, sending the dog into shock, and potentially causing a buildup of toxins that can cause the heart to stop. Bloodhound owners should learn to recognize the symptoms of this…
Read More

Bernese Mountain Dog
Care and upkeep
It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency involving the bloating and blockage of the stomach that can require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent this condition. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also…
Read More
It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency involving the bloating and blockage of the stomach that can require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent this condition. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also…
Read More

German Shepherd
Care and upkeep
…breed is also susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists within the body, cutting off the flow of food and water to the intestines and the flow of blood from the stomach back to the heart. Moreover, the breed’s characteristically deep but narrow chest…
Read More
…breed is also susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists within the body, cutting off the flow of food and water to the intestines and the flow of blood from the stomach back to the heart. Moreover, the breed’s characteristically deep but narrow chest…
Read More

Great Dane
Care and upkeep
The breed is prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a bloating condition that is potentially fatal and can require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the dog’s stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall in order to prevent the more severe complications associated with GDV.…
Read More
The breed is prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a bloating condition that is potentially fatal and can require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the dog’s stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall in order to prevent the more severe complications associated with GDV.…
Read More

Newfoundland
Care and upkeep
It is prone to gastric torsion volvulus (a twisted stomach), a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. As a preventive measure, the stomach can be surgically attached to the abdominal wall. The breed is also subject to hip dysplasia, so puppies should be fed a…
Read More
It is prone to gastric torsion volvulus (a twisted stomach), a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. As a preventive measure, the stomach can be surgically attached to the abdominal wall. The breed is also subject to hip dysplasia, so puppies should be fed a…
Read More

dog
Ailments
…to a condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This disease causes the stomach to twist in the abdominal cavity, cutting off the blood supply and filling the stomach with gas. GDV is always a medical emergency and must be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear. Early warnings…
Read More
…to a condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This disease causes the stomach to twist in the abdominal cavity, cutting off the blood supply and filling the stomach with gas. GDV is always a medical emergency and must be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear. Early warnings…
Read More

Poodle
Care and upkeep
…(in Toy and Miniature versions); gastric dilatation-volvulus, a potentially life-threatening disorder in which excessive gas causes the stomach to twist and bloat (in Standards); hip dysplasia, abnormal development of the hip joint (in Standards and Miniatures); and sebaceous adenitis, a hereditary skin condition that can cause hair loss (in Standards).
Read More
…(in Toy and Miniature versions); gastric dilatation-volvulus, a potentially life-threatening disorder in which excessive gas causes the stomach to twist and bloat (in Standards); hip dysplasia, abnormal development of the hip joint (in Standards and Miniatures); and sebaceous adenitis, a hereditary skin condition that can cause hair loss (in Standards).
Read More

Saint Bernard
Care and upkeep
It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent the condition. Saints are also prone to eyelid problems and to a type of bone cancer…
Read More
It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent the condition. Saints are also prone to eyelid problems and to a type of bone cancer…
Read More