Volvulus is defined as an abnormal twisting of a segment of bowel on itself, along its longitudinal axis. This results in occlusion of the proximal bowel and a closed loop obstruction within the segment. Compromised blood supply to the involved segment, together with the increase in intraluminal pressure, leads to gangrene and perforation if unrelieved.

Volvulus is the condition in which the intestine becomes abnormally twisted. The bowel may become obstructed, and/or the blood supply may become decreased. A volvulus is a problem that can occur after birth as a result of intestinal malrotation. The intestine becomes twisted, causing an intestinal blockage. This twisting can also cut off the blood flow to the intestine, and the intestine can be damaged. Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development may predispose infants to a volvulus, although a volvulus can occur in the absence of malrotation. Volvulus associated with malrotation often occurs early in life.

Using a GDV model to study the effects of small-volume (5 ml/kg) 7% NaCl in 6% dextran 70 (HS/D70) as an alternative to shock dose of 0.9% saline as a treatment for GDV shock, it was shown that 5 minutes of HS/D70 at 5 ml/kg followed by surgical maintenance of 20 ml/kg/hr was more effective than a 60 ml/kg 0.9% saline over a 60 minute period followed by surgical maintenance of 20 ml/kg/hr. Resuscitation was better sustained with small-volume HS/D70 compared with conventional large volume 0.9% saline.

If a small segment of bowel is necrotic (dead from lack of blood flow), it is removed and the ends of the bowels sewn back together, or used to form a colostomy or ileostomy (tube to the outside through which bowel contents can be removed -- the term depends on where the tube is formed). If the entire bowel is necrotic, the outlook is poor, and the situation may be fatal.
Emergency surgery to repair the volvulus is necessary. An incision is made in the abdomen, the bowels are inspected, and the volvulus is reduced. This means that the bowels are untwisted and the blood supply restored.

If a small segment of bowel is necrotic (dead from lack of blood flow), it is removed and the ends of the bowels sewn back together, or used to form a colostomy or ileostomy (tube to the outside through which bowel contents can be removed -- the term depends on where the tube is formed). If the entire bowel is necrotic, the outlook is poor, and the situation may be fatal.
Two major techniques are used in the treatment of GDV. First, the stomach tube is used to extract the gas from the stomach. Secondly, the stomach is returned to its normal shape through the practice of a surgical procedure. In order to prevent the recurrence of GDV, veterinarian should assess the extent of damage by careful observation. Damage differs from great dane to great dane. Factors that may contribute to excessive damage are: the amount of time the dog suffered, your great dane’s overall health condition, and the age of your great dane.

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