Things You'll Need:
- Stethoscope
- Dog
- Fast way to get to emergency facility
- 1.5 inch long 16 gauge needle.
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Step 1
Know that the stomach fills up with air, constricting blood flow to the heart and other vital organs. The most reliable indicator of GDV is a bloated abdomen, particularly on the left side of the dog, with air pocket which is hollow. Breathing is very labored and circulation is compromised (as assessed by refill time after compressing the gums, which should be two seconds in normal conditions). If you listen to the stomach with the stethoscope and 'tap' the belly surface with your finger, you will hear a 'ping' under the stethoscope which is present over most of the abdomen on that side (usually the left side of the dog).
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Step 2
Call a veterinarian immediately, and arrange to bring the dog in. In the event that you are a far distance from the facility and the dog is going downhill, consider 'deflating' the stomach as a temporary life saving measure by pushing a 16 gauge needle into the wall of the abdomen under the 'ping' after sterilizing the area with rubbing alcohol. If you have decompressed the stomach, you will hear air coming out and see the abdomen go back towards it normal size, like you have put a hole into an overfilled tire. Emergency drugs which a vet (or maybe you) would give could include Penicillin (or another injectable antibiotic) and injectable steroid (usually dexamethazone) in high 'shock' doses (as you need to stabalize membranes of diseased tissues that are developing).
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Step 3
Rushto the veterinary facility, keeping the dog warm, preparing to deflate the stomach again if need be. Be prepared for surgery to tack the stomach to the organ systems/tissues around it so prevent it from happening.
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Step 4
Examine the causes of bloat. To prevent it in your other dogs of similar breeds, or your own, feed small amounts of food placed on a low table, rather than large amounts on the floor which the dog eats very fast (along with too much 'air').
