Glossary

Bloat (GDV)

A life-threatening emergency in which a dog's stomach swells with gas and may twist, cutting off blood flow and breathing.

Also called: GDV, gastric dilatation-volvulus, twisted stomach, stomach torsion, gastric torsion

Bloat, formally gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV, happens when the stomach fills with gas and fluid and then may rotate on itself. The twist traps the contents, presses on major blood vessels and can send a dog into shock within hours. It is far more serious than ordinary gas or a full stomach after a big meal.

Deep-chested breeds such as the Great Dane and the German Shepherd Dog are at higher risk, and risk rises with age. Typical signs are a swollen, tight belly, unproductive retching, drooling, restlessness and pacing, and pale gums.

Any dog showing these signs needs an emergency veterinarian at once, not a wait-and-see night. Ask your vet whether a preventive stomach-tacking surgery makes sense for a high-risk breed.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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