gastric dilatation volvulus otherwise known as GDV is an acute life threatening syndrome that requires immediate medical and surgical intervention as well as intensive postoperative care. An animal experiences GDV when there is arapid accumulation of gas in the stomach causing increased intragastric pressure, the stomach dilates and rotates on its short axis causing a decrease in venous return. GDV is generally characterized by hypovolemic, distributive, and cardiogenic shock. Some of the most serious complications associated with GDV is ischemic reperfusion injury or (IRI), this occurs when there isn’t enough oxygenated blood getting to the stomach/intestines, also systeic inflammatory response sydrome (sepsis) and multiple organ dysfunction can occur. Complications with organ dysfunction include hypotension, actue kidney injury, gastric ulceration, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and cardiac arrhythmias. Even with proper medical treatment if GDV is not caught almost immediately mortality rate is high (10% – 28%).
