This condition rapidly leads to serious fluid losses, mineral imbalances in the bloodstream, shock, adverse effects on the heart, and death if not treated on an emergency basis. Breed is a primary factor with large, deep chested breeds including the German Shepherd, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Doberman Pincher, Rottweiler, and Irish Setter being most commonly affected.
Age is also a factor with most affected dogs being mature to senior animals.
Dogs with GDV will often have some degree of swelling in the front part of the abdomen and this swelling will worsen as the disease progresses. Retching with an inability to vomit is also commonly seen. Without emergency treatment these patients will die within a short time. Treatment will vary with the severity of the condition. In many cases, however, the stomach has already twisted upon itself to the point that a tube will not pass into it and, after the patient is stabilized with fluids and medications to lessen shock, an emergency surgery is performed to replace the stomach in its normal position in the abdominal cavity.