Gastropexy Prevents Dog’s Stomach From Twisting

Gastric dilatation volvulus is most common in large- and giant-breed dogs with chests that are much taller/deeper than they are wide, such as this Irish Setter. Rad Radu/Shutterstock

Q: We recently welcomed a Labrador retriever puppy into our family. Our veterinarian recommends that during her spay surgery, the surgeon attach her stomach to her body wall to prevent it from twisting. Is this “gastropexy” procedure safe?

A: Gastropexy is a standard, low-risk surgical procedure to prevent GDV, or gastric dilatation volvulus, also called bloat or stomach torsion. GDV occurs when gas distends the stomach, which rotates on its long axis either before or after the distention.