Emergencies can arise when we least expect them, sometimes starting with subtle signs that don’t seem alarming at first. That’s why being vigilant and recognising potential dangers early is so important. At Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES), we rely on proactive pet owners to help us save lives – and that’s exactly what happened with Mia, a beautiful Doberman who came to us one night in distress.
Recognising the Signs of an Emergency
Mia’s mum is a dedicated and observant pet parent, and her awareness made all the difference in this story. After dinner, Mia began displaying unusual behaviours – she was restless, stretching frequently, and attempting to vomit without success. Something about her abdomen also seemed off.
Knowing that Dobermans are a deep-chested breed, Mia’s mum immediately suspected one of the most serious conditions a dog can face: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. Understanding the urgency of the situation, she didn’t waste time – she called CVES and was already on her way with Mia when she reached us.
A Race Against Time
When Mia arrived at the hospital, she walked in with her usual grace, calm and trusting despite the discomfort she was experiencing. As we began our initial assessment, her mum described everything she had observed at home – and even suggested the likely diagnosis. She was absolutely right!
GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach twists upon itself, trapping gas and food inside. As the stomach expands, it compresses surrounding organs and major blood vessels, cutting off circulation and causing severe pain. If left untreated, GDV can rapidly lead to shock, organ failure, and death – often within hours. The only solution is emergency surgery to untwist the stomach and restore normal function.
Preparing for Life-Saving Surgery
Time was critical, so with Mia’s mum’s consent, we immediately began preparing for surgery. Despite everything happening around her, Mia remained calm, as if she knew she was in safe hands.
Before surgery, our team took extra steps to improve Mia’s chances of a smooth recovery. We decompressed her bloated stomach, which relieved pressure on surrounding organs, improved blood circulation, and reduced pain. This step was essential in stabilising her before anaesthesia, as the pressure from GDV can even affect major veins and arteries, putting a dog into full shock.
A Successful Surgery and a Preventative Solution
Thanks to Mia’s mum’s quick actions and our team’s expertise and efficient response, the surgery was a success! We also took an extra precaution to prevent this from happening again by performing a gastropexy – a procedure where the stomach is stitched to the abdominal wall, significantly reducing the risk of future GDV episodes.
Mia’s recovery was just as smooth as her surgery. She was home the very next day, under the loving care of her devoted mum, and has since made a full recovery.
The Importance of Vigilance
Mia’s story is a powerful reminder that early recognition of symptoms can save lives. GDV is most common in deep-chested dog breeds, such as:
- Dobermans
- Great Danes
- German Shepherds
- Standard Poodles
- German Shorthaired Pointers
Signs of GDV include:
✔️ Retching or attempting to vomit with no success
✔️ A bloated or swollen abdomen
✔️ Excessive drooling
✔️ Restlessness or discomfort
✔️ Lethargy or collapse
If you ever notice these symptoms in your dog, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. GDV is a true medical emergency, and every minute counts.
We are incredibly grateful for Mia’s mum’s quick thinking and action, which gave her the best possible outcome. And we are honoured to have been there to help Mia through this emergency.
