Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

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Pet Lovers

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations.

Diagnosis In-depth

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize GDV, and exclude all other diseases, including:

Complete medical history and physical examination.

Clinical response to gastric decompression (passing a stomach tube or inserting a needle into the abdomen to relieve gas pressure).

Your veterinarian should assess your pet for shock. It is important to monitor vital signs, airway, breathing, heart rate and to identify bleeding disorders.

If the diagnosis is not clear, abdominal radiography (X-rays) is the first diagnostic test performed. An abdominal X-ray may reveal a large air-filled stomach with a soft tissue fold that appears to compartmentalize the stomach. This suggests that the stomach is twisted (volvulus). Air that is free floating in the abdomen suggests perforation of the stomach.

After initial stabilization of the patient a complete blood count (CBC) and blood biochemical test may be performed. Electrolyte abnormalities may be present.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is often needed to monitor for cardiac arrhythmias.

Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended on an individual pet basis, including:

Arterial blood gas determinations may be needed to identify complications of shock.

Repeat biochemistries if initial tests are abnormal.

Blood lactate. This test may be prognostic as a higher level indicates a worse prognosis. It is believed that lactate levels greater than 6 mmol/L is associated with an increased mortality.

Coagulation studies should be done and fibrinogen levels should be tested to identify disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

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