Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a rapidly fatal condition in large deep-chested dogs. Understanding risk factors and prevention strategies saves lives and prevents acute suffering.
GDV welfare is dominated by the acute and severe nature of the emergency. A dog going from apparently healthy to dead within hours represents extreme welfare harm for the animal and profound distress for owners. The welfare case for prophylactic gastropexy in high-risk breeds is compelling — the procedure can be performed at the time of neutering at minimal additional cost and virtually eliminates the risk of life-threatening gastric rotation. Management factors including meal frequency are also actionable by owners. Prevention is far preferable to emergency treatment for both welfare and economic reasons.