Archive Case #6: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Clinical Clues

1. A 7-year-old male Great Dane is presented on an emergency basis.
2. The owner reports the dog became restless shortly after eating and has been attempting to vomit without producing anything.
3. The abdomen has become progressively distended and the dog appears uncomfortable and is pacing.
4. On examination the dog is tachycardic with pale mucous membranes and a markedly tympanic cranial abdomen.
5. Abdominal radiographs reveal a severely gas-distended stomach with compartmentalisation producing a classic double-bubble appearance.
6. This condition occurs when the gas-filled stomach rotates around its axis, obstructing gastric outflow and rapidly compromising venous return.

Diagnosis

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an acute life-threatening condition most commonly affecting large deep-chested dogs. Gastric dilation followed by volvulus obstructs venous return and rapidly leads to shock without urgent treatment.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.