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==Description==

==Description==

   

   

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is an acute, life-threatening emergency affecting large and giant breed dogs. Commonly affected breeds include German Shepherds, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, St Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. GDV has also been reported to occur in cats, primates and rarely small breed dogs such as Dachshunds and Miniature Poodles.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is an acute, life-threatening emergency affecting large and giant breed dogs. The condition is characterized by accumulation of gas in the stomach and malpositioning of the stomach with obstruction of eructation and pyloric outflow. Commonly affected breeds include German Shepherds, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, St Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. GDV has also been reported to occur in cats, primates and rarely small breed dogs such as Dachshunds and Miniature Poodles.

 

An obstruction to gastric emptying due to fluid or gas leads to gastric distention and a rapid increase in intra-gastric pressure.  As the stomach dilates, the pylorus shifts in a clockwise fashion from its normal position to a dorsal, cranial and leftward location. Torsion causes impairment of the blood supply- the arterial supply is maintained but venous drainage is blocked. The gastric wall becomes severely congested and infarction of gastric mucosa may occur. The stomach becomes distended with gas and fluid, causing blocked venous return to heart. This compresses the diaphragm and interferes with respiration.

==Risk factors==

==Risk factors==

Studies have shown that dogs with a reduced thoracic width to depth ratio are at an in increased risk of developing GDV. Other risk factors include obesity, stress, exercise following feeding and feeding of a dry food diet. Female dogs are also more likely to develop GDV than males.  

Studies have shown that dogs with a reduced thoracic width to depth ratio are at an in increased risk of developing GDV. Other risk factors include obesity, stress, exercise following feeding and feeding of a dry food diet. Female dogs are also more likely to develop GDV than males. Dogs with an aggressive temperament are also more prone to developing GDV.  

 

GDV ssually occurs around 30 minutes after a meal, or following aerophagia. The stomach becomes distended (gastric dilation). The animal excercises, and the stomach twists 180 degrees clockwise on its mesentery. Torsion impairs the blood supply- the arterial supply is maintained but venous drainage is blocked. The gastric wall becomes severely congested and infarction of gastric mucosa may occur. The stomach becomes distended with gas and fluid, causing blocked venous return to heart. This compresses the diaphragm and interferes with respiration.

==History and Clinical signs==

==History and Clinical signs==