Treatment of Dog Bloat & What to Expect at the Vet

There are two critical components when treating GDV:

1. to stabilize the dog



2. decompress the stomach.

In order to stabilize the dog, treatment of shock will begin immediately upon arrival by administering IV fluids (saline solution and electrolytes).  Additionally; steroid hormones, insulin therapy, and antibiotics may be administered.

Decompression of the stomach will also begin as soon as possible.  Typically, a stomach tube is used as a first attempt.  If the stomach tube is able to pass into the stomach gas will begin to readily exit the stomach.  Excess fluid and other matter within the stomach are also removed via gravity and suction.

If a tube is unable to be passed into the stomach, in order to remove the excess gas, a large needle will be inserted directly into the abdomen.  After the needle has allowed the excess gas to drain out of the stomach, a stomach tube is then able to pass down into the stomach (as discussed  in the previous paragraph) and clean any fluid or debris out of the stomach.

If the situation is at a point where the dog is in too critical a situation for general anesthesia, another method of decompressing the stomach is by temporary gastrotomy.  A gastrotomy is a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall to provide direct access to the stomach to allow its decompression.

Following shock stabilization and decompression of the stomach; surgery, will assess the integrity of both the stomach and spleen, reposition the stomach, and to attach the stomach to the abdominal wall (gastropexy) to prevent the stomach from twisting again in the future.

Without surgical intervention during treatment of GDV, there is a 75% recurrence rate within 12 months.

 

 

1. 
   
   

   The Merck Veterinary Manual 2011 “Gastric Dilatation-volvulus (Bloat)”