06/10/2026
Gastric dilatation, commonly referred to as bloat, occurs when the stomach fills like a balloon with gas. As bloat progresses, the gas-filled stomach twists 180 degrees clockwise on its side, cutting off an escape for the gas through the esophagus or duodenum. This is known as gastric dilatation with volvulus. GDV results in a profound distension of the stomach that compresses vital blood vessels and organs in the abdomen and reduces oxygen to those organs. Eventually tissue death occurs, and toxins are released into the bloodstream.
Bloat happens so fast that dogs can die within two hours of the first signs. Learn more about how to recognize, treat, and most importantly, prevent bloat at the link below:
https://www.purinaproclub.com/pro-resources/learning-hub/breeding/decompression-technique-bloat-german-shepherd-dogs