Page 255 - ATP-P 11th Ed

K9 GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS (GDV) /
BLOAT PROTOCOL

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. GDV is a rapidly life-threatening syndrome that is common in large-breed dogs.
In this syndrome, the stomach rapidly dilates with air, food, or fluid, and then
rotates/twists along the long axis. As the stomach dilates, there is compromised
blood flow to the stomach and decreased venous return from the abdomen and
pelvic limbs. SECTION 2
2. Most military working dogs have had a prophylactic gastropexy, which is a sur-
gical adhesion of the stomach to the body wall, preventing volvulus from oc-
curring. Some working dogs, including contractor, coalition, and other working
dogs, may not have had a gastopexy and are at high risk for GDV.

Signs and Symptoms
1. Trying to vomit but not producing much; nonproductive retching and gagging
2. Drooling
3. May or may not see distended abdomen depending on how early condition is identified
4. Dog is very painful, agitated, restless, painful on abdominal palpation
5. Shock – pale mucous membranes, poor pulse quality, shallow respirations
Prophylaxis
1. Prophylactic gastropexy may be performed prior to deployment by a military
veterinarian.
Management
1. External needle decompression using a 14-gauge
catheter.
a. May need to decompress several times if
MEDEVAC/CASEVAC is delayed.
b. Point of insertion for catheter for decompression
is on the right lateral abdominal wall approxi-
mately 2 inches caudal to the last rib.
2. Treat for shock.
a. IV Fluid Therapy: Give ¼ of shock dose over 15–
20 minutes and monitor dog’s TPR and response Site for decompression

244 SECTION 2 TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS (TMEPs) ATP-P Handbook 11th Edition 245