Dangers and causes of bloat

Bloat (GDV - gastric dilation and volvulus)

Bloat and torsion, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is the second most common killer of large and giant breed dogs, after cancer. In gastric dilatation, the stomach fills with air which, for some unknown reason, the dog is unable to expel. As the stomach expands, it often twists (torsion), presenting a surgical emergency. When the stomach bloats, the expansion compresses the blood supply to other organs, including the heart, and the bloating dog can go into shock as a result of low blood pressure and compromised blood supply. In torsion, or volvulus, the twisting of the stomach causes necrosis of internal organs and organ death from the lack of blood supply, resulting in the death of the dog, if not treated promptly. Click below to learn more.