A gastropexy is a surgical procedure performed in large-breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat.
A gastropexy may be performed as a preventive measure as part of the surgical management of GDV to prevent recurrence after the stomach has been returned to its normal position. It may also be done in a healthy dog predisposed to this condition. Your veterinarian will suture the stomach to the body wall that holds the stomach in a fixed location, preventing it from making the twist that results in bloat. Prophylactic gastropexy is recommended for all at-risk breeds. Large-breed and deep-chested dogs are at the highest risk of developing bloat. Predisposed breeds include:
● Great Danes (39% of Great Danes will experience bloat during their lifetime)
● Standard poodle
● Irish setter
● Irish wolfhound
● Akita
● German shepherd
● Weimaraner
● Saint Bernard
● Boxer
● Giant Schnauzer