12-year old, 59# (26.8kg), neutered male, German Shepherd Dog
History: Dog presented with no prior GI history. He was last fed at 9am and began exhibiting symptoms of Bloat (panting; dry heaving; producing thick, ropy saliva/vomitous; weak/ataxic) around 1pm.
Clinical Exam: Patient is depressed, weak/ambulating poorly, has increased respiratory effort, obvious distension of caudal rib cage on the left side, and pale mucous membranes.
Diagnostic Findings: Abdominal radiographs revealed gas pattern consistent with GDV.
Diagnosis: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat with Torsion/Bloat).
Treatment: Pre-operative stabilization, general anesthesia, surgical correction of the GDV with Gastropexy, 72-hour post-operative hospitalization, with follow-up blood work and ECG monitoring were recommended but due to patient's age and prognosis, the owner elected humane euthanasia over surgery.
For educational purposes, the owner took video (below) of the dog's condition prior to their arrival at our office.
Client Education
GDV (Bloat): VIN's Veterinary Partners website has a wonderful educational page dedicated to this condition. If you are the owner of a large breed dog, please take a moment to visit their website to learn more about GDV or Bloat.
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