Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a rapidly fatal emergency in large, deep-chested dogs. Understanding risk factors and early signs can save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.
GDV causes acute and rapidly escalating suffering through painful abdominal distension, circulatory compromise, and the systemic effects of shock. Dogs in GDV deteriorate rapidly from apparent discomfort to collapse and death. The acute welfare impact of GDV is compounded by the fact that it is entirely preventable through prophylactic gastropexy in high-risk breeds. Many owners of large-breed dogs are unaware of GDV risk and the option of preventive surgery, meaning preventable suffering occurs. The welfare case for prophylactic gastropexy in high-risk breeds during routine procedures such as desexing is strong: the minor additional surgical risk of gastropexy is vastly outweighed by eliminating the risk of a rapidly fatal and extremely painful emergency.