Bloat (GDV) - What it is and what to look out for

Dogs being fed in a twin kennel at our Hillcrest rehoming centre. The hatch is about to be closed to give each dog a separate space to eat calmly and without competition.

Raised feeders, slow feeders, eating before exercise, wetting dry food…all of these are hot topics of discussion when it comes to greyhounds and lurchers, particularly around the topic of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) also known as “bloat”.

There is a lot of content published on the topic of bloat, and it can be hard to filter out the opinion pieces and sponsored articles to get to genuine veterinary advice. We are incredibly grateful to Greyhound Rescue Wales supporter and vet Nicole Hashash who has written the following article for us:

Gastric dilatation volvulus (also known as GDV or bloat) is a life-threatening condition needing urgent veterinary attention. It is caused when the stomach twists around on itself and fills with air causing important bloods vessels to be compromised.

GDV can occur in any breed but is most likely to occur in large and giant breeds including Greyhounds. It is more likely to occur in older than younger dogs and in those who had a parent with GDV.

As owners, there are many things that can be done at home to help reduce the risk of a GDV occurring. Reviewing relevant literature has highlighted the following measures:

1. Slow down eating – dogs who eat faster are more likely to develop a GDV

– Consider slow feeder bowls, interactive feeders or snuffle mats

2. Food bowls on the floor – raised food bowls are considered to increase the likelihood of a GDV likely because they encourage dogs to eat faster

– Some dogs may require raised feeding based on veterinary advice for other conditions (for example problems with regurgitation, painful necks/spinal disease)

3. Split daily food into 2 meals or more – eating one meal a day increases the risk of GDV because a larger volume of food is eating causing the stomach to be fuller

4. Dogs with a happy temperament are less likely to develop GDV

– Keeping any stress around meal times reduced is important

– Feeding dogs in separate areas in multi-dog households can prevent any competition that may speed up a dogs eating speed

– For any dogs who guard food give them plenty of space to help keep them calm when eating

5. Do not feed immediately after or before exercise – increased movement with a full stomach can encourage it to twist

– Advice is generally AT LEAST one hour either side

Slow feeder bowls and inserts like these reduce the speed at which dogs eat, helping to reduce the risk of bloat

If you think your dog may have a GDV, call your vet urgently. It is important to know what provisions they have for any out-of-hours treatment and where you may need to travel.

Signs that your dog may have a GDV include:

– A bloated/swollen abdomen

– Trying to vomit/retching but nothing coming up

– Drooling

– Panting

– Restlessness

– Pale gums

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