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Why do my GSDs and Labs keep getting bloat? How to prevent GDV?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 86 lbs

We've had 2 gsds and a lab. All 3 have had to have the gbt surgery. 2 survived, our baby didnt. What are we doing wrong?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 24th, 2017

I am not sure if I understand you correctly as I am not familiar with gbt surgery. If you are talking about GDV surgery (bloat) which is what I think you mean, I will elaborate here. If you are talking about something else please post again and be more specific. The best way to prevent GDV is to have the dog's stomach "tacked" to the body wall when they are young. This surgery is call gastropexy. As it stands the stomach is not attached to anything and can basically flip over on itself causing the bloat. If you pexy the stomach to the body wall, the chance of this happening decreases exponentially. It is not impossible for it to flip after a gastropexy but it is highly unlikely to occur. That would be my recommendation in the future if you get more large breed, deep-chested dogs. Everything else you can do to help prevent it are all management issues: 1. Do not feed and then allow the dog to exercise. Wait a minimum of 2 hours after feeding before exercise. 2. Feed multiple small meals instead of one or two large meals per day. 3. Feed the dogs in an elevated fashion - bowls off the ground. 4. Slow down the dog's eating Here is a good article that talks about this: https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=672 Sometimes no matter what you do, it still happens. The gastropexy is the best way to help prevent it in my opinion. Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again. I am sorry for the loss of your dog :( I'm sure that was tough.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so sorry for your loss. I think you may be talking about GDV or gastric dilatation and volvulous. Unfortunately Germans shepherds and labs are predisposed to this condition due to body conformation. You can help decrease risk a bit. One is prophylactic tacking or Pexy of the stomach. This is a surgical procedure but can reduce the risk of torsion. Feed several small meals a day not one large meal. Limit exercise immediately before and after eating. Try to slow down their eating by slow feed bowls or feeding away from each other if they are eating too quickly near each other. Here’s some more info https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs I hope this helps. Thank you for using PetCoach

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