GDV (Bloat) in Great Danes

Clinical overview

Why Great Danes carry elevated GDV (Bloat) risk

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a true surgical emergency overrepresented in Great Danes. Minutes matter: stomach torsion cuts off blood flow and precipitates shock. Prophylactic gastropexy status, feeding protocols, and a rehearsed ER pathway should live in a digital vault long before the first crisis.

Watch list

Symptom checklist

• Non-productive retching with a rapidly distending abdomen
• Restlessness, hypersalivation, and pale gums
• Collapse or weakness with elevated heart rate
• History of deep-chested conformation and large single meals
• Prior prophylactic gastropexy status (done / not done)

Digital vault protocol

Emergency & longitudinal management

1. Record prophylactic gastropexy date, surgeon, and technique
2. Define a written GDV emergency script with nearest 24/7 surgical hospital
3. Log feeding schedule (small meals), elevated bowl policy, and exercise rules
4. If GDV occurs, archive operative reports, splenectomy notes, and ICU course
5. Update the emergency passport with bloat risk and gastropexy confirmation