NAVLE Emergency Guide
GDV Approach in Dogs: Triage to Surgical Stabilization
GDV is a high-consequence emergency where delays in stabilization can rapidly worsen perfusion and tissue injury. This guide helps you prioritize decompression, perfusion support, and surgical readiness in a repeatable sequence.
Use this guide to move from first-pass pattern recognition to structured diagnostic and treatment logic. The flow is designed for NAVLE-style decision sequencing and practical ward preparation.
Rapid Algorithm
- Recognize abdominal distension, unproductive retching, and progressive shock risk immediately.
- Provide oxygen and place large-bore IV access while preparing decompression supplies.
- Start perfusion-guided fluid resuscitation in aliquots and reassess mentation and pulse quality after each bolus.
- Decompress the stomach as soon as feasible with orogastric tube or trocarization when indicated.
- Transition to definitive surgery planning after initial stabilization milestones are met.
Diagnostic Flow
- Confirm perfusion status with serial heart rate, pulse quality, lactate trend, and blood pressure.
- Thoracic and abdominal imaging support diagnosis and concurrent risk assessment once the patient is safer.
- ECG monitoring is important because ventricular arrhythmias may emerge during reperfusion.
- Baseline CBC, chemistry, and acid-base data help guide ongoing fluid and electrolyte adjustments.
- Monitor urine output and mentation trajectory as practical shock response indicators.
Treatment Flow
- Treat shock early and reassess each intervention before increasing fluid intensity.
- Provide analgesia and stress-minimizing handling during stabilization and prep.
- Coordinate antiemetic and gastroprotective support after hemodynamic priorities are addressed.
- Prepare for anesthesia with awareness of reperfusion injury and arrhythmia risk.
- Plan postoperative monitoring for rhythm changes, pain, and gastric motility concerns.
Exam Traps
- Waiting for full diagnostics before decompression in an unstable dog is a common exam error.
- Large single fluid boluses without reassessment can miss evolving cardiopulmonary limits.
- Ignoring ECG monitoring after decompression can delay arrhythmia recognition.
- Confusing chronic bloat history with lower acute risk can cause under-triage.
- Assuming early improvement removes surgical need can produce management drift.
Practice Prompts
- Which first-hour step is most time-sensitive in unstable GDV with poor perfusion?
- How do you sequence decompression and fluid therapy when blood pressure is low?
- What ECG trend most changes your immediate stabilization plan in GDV?
- Which findings support transition from stabilization to anesthetic planning?
- What are the most common post-op complications to monitor after GDV surgery?
Related Content
- Return to pillar: NAVLE Emergency and Critical Care: Triage, Stabilize, Treat
- Veterinary Shock Types: Practical Triage and Treatment Flow
- Sepsis and SIRS in Veterinary Patients: Hour-One Priorities
- Use the Fluid Calculator for shock aliquots
- Try 5 free practice questions on this topic
- Unlock unlimited practice (Premium)
Sources and Review Notes
- Drug label search (DailyMed)
- IRIS stages
- Normal lab values
- Heartworm treatment protocol
- Lab test protocols
- Microchip lookup
- Vertebral Heart Score
- BCS charts
- ACVIM cardiology consensus guideline references
- Dental charts
- AAHA vaccination guidelines
- Flea/tick product info
- Dog/cat breed search
- RECOVER CPR guidelines
Last reviewed: February 13, 2026
Educational only. This page is designed for study and does not replace case-specific diagnosis, local protocols, or direct supervision.