Prevention

What is GDV?

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (often called “GDV” or “bloat”) is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists upon itself. This is rapidly fatal condition that compromises the blood flow to the stomach and heart. GDV occurs most commonly occurs in large breed, deep-chested dogs, although all dogs are at risk.

Causes of this condition are not completely understood. Although high-energy, nervous dogs appear to have an increased risk of developing a GDV. Whatever the cause, if a dog develops GDV, it is a serious emergency which must be treated aggressively and almost always requires surgery. 

Signs that a dog has a GVD include retching, bloated appearance of the abdomen, drooling, gasping for air, agitation, and weakness. 

What can be done to treat GDV?

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Preventative Gastropexy via laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can ensure your pet is safe from this life-threatening condition in the future, and will help you to know you are taking a proactive approach to keeping your furry family member safe and healthy.

Laparoscopic Gastropexy is recommended to prevent bloat in high-risk large breed dogs. These include great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, German shepherds, and Standard Poodles. Previously this surgery was performed through a 10-12 inch abdominal incision. Now, a minimally invasive procedure called, laparoscopic gastropexy can be performed to achieve the same result. Laparoscopic gastropexy can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as laparoscopic spaying and laparoscopic removal of abdominal testicles. Minimally invasive surgery reduces morbidity and postsurgical pain, as compared to open conventional gastropexy.

Advantages of Laparascopic Gastropexy:

 - Small incisions, (maximum 2 inches) therefore less scarring
 - Less bruising of the abdominal scar
 - Faster recovery and less post-surgical pain
 - Quicker and better recovery
 - Prophylactic surgery prevents life-threatening twist of stomach

 ** Save expensive cost of treating life-threatening bloat