GDV is a true emergency: the stomach balloons with gas/food and twists, blocking outflow, cutting off blood supply, compressing major veins, and rapidly causing shock.

 

Immediate hospital care, surgery to untwist and secure the stomach (gastropexy), and intensive monitoring are the standard of care.

 

With modern and prompt treatment, about 70–85% of dogs survive to discharge; survival is highest when treatment is fast and gastric tissue is still healthy.

 

Prophylactic treatment using gastropexy can prevent development of this aggressive condition.