Bloat

TL;DR. Le GDV est une urgence soudaine: l'estomac se remplit de gaz et se tord; chirurgie immédiate requise.

Deep-chested large-breed dogs are anatomically predisposed.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): the stomach fills with gas/fluid then twists, trapping contents, compressing major vessels, causing shock and gastric necrosis. True surgical emergency.

Causes et facteurs de risque

Idiopathic multifactorial. Deep-chested large/giant breeds. Risk: one large meal/day, rapid eating, exercise around meals, first-degree relative with GDV, age, stress.

Signes à surveiller

• Unproductive retching (cardinal)
• Distended, tight abdomen; restlessness; hypersalivation
• Tachycardia, pale gums, weak pulses
• Collapse (occasional)

Swollen tight abdomen with unproductive retching is classic.

Comment les vétérinaires diagnostiquent

Stabilize first. Right lateral abdominal radiograph (double bubble / reverse C). Lactate trends, CBC/chem, coagulation.

Radiographs distinguish simple dilatation from volvulus.

Options de traitement

IV fluids, antibiotics (e.g. Cefazolin), decompression (orogastric tube or trocarization), then surgery: untwist, assess viability, gastropexy. Post-op monitoring; Metoclopramide if needed.

Pronostic

About 85% survive with prompt surgery. Worse with necrosis, DIC, septic peritonitis, or severe debilitation.

Prévention

Prophylactic gastropexy in high-risk breeds; multiple small meals; limit exercise around feeding; reduce meal stress.

Quand appeler le vétérinaire

Absolute emergency. Go to emergency care immediately for unproductive retching or sudden abdominal distension. Call ahead.

Pour certaines races

Highest concern: Great Dane, Weimaraner, Gordon/Irish Setter, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, St. Bernard. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy at spay/neuter.

Sources

• Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition, pp. 720-722.

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