Gastric dilation/volvulus

Instructional Guide

Learners will explore the causes, symptoms, treatments, and actions of GDV (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus). The lesson will include an in-class demonstration with materials, a discussion, and additional online assessments/activities.

Intended Grade Level

This lesson is intended for students grades 3-5 that have an interest in learning about veterinary medicine or common emergencies of the dog. Students should be familiar with basic anatomy of the stomach and associated organs such as the esophagus.

Learning objectives

• Students will be able to explain where in the body the stomach is located and its’ basic functions.
• Students will be able to identify what occurs when the stomach is bloated.
• Students can identify the need for emergency veterinary treatment with GDV.
• Students will use critical thinking when assessing when an animal is having a medical emergency.
• Students can appreciate the role that veterinarians have in diagnosing and treating in a medical emergency.

Lesson Format

Lesson duration: 30-45 minutes

See slide show on student page

Lesson Background

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a serious, life-threatening condition in dogs that involves two main components: gastric dilatation (bloating) and volvulus (twisting).

Gastric dilatation occurs when the stomach fills with air, food, or fluid, causing it to expand like a balloon. This bloating can restrict blood flow to the stomach and other organs, leading to discomfort and potential tissue damage.

Volvulus happens when the bloated stomach twists, cutting off the passage of food, air, and blood. The twist prevents the dog from vomiting or burping, trapping air and increasing pressure inside the stomach, which can cause tissue death and shock.

GDV is most commonly caused by eating too quickly, eating large meals, or ingesting air while eating (aerophagia). It can also be triggered by exercising too soon after eating, stress, or in certain breeds like deep-chested dogs (e.g., Great Danes, German Shepherds).

Symptoms include visible bloating, unproductive retching, restlessness, rapid breathing, drooling, and in severe cases, collapse.

GDV is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention, typically involving surgery to untwist the stomach and, in many cases, a procedure called gastropexy to prevent future twisting. Although GDV cannot be fully prevented, reducing risk factors like fast eating, avoiding post-meal exercise, and monitoring high-risk breeds can help.

Activities

This lesson is a hands-on activity that is designed to teach 3rd-5th graders about gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) through interactive demonstration, group discussions, and independent assessments.

Materials needed:

• Large Balloons
• 2-3 feet of String or Ribbon (preferably bright colored for contrast)
• Markers or tape
• A large box
• Optional items:
  • projector (for diagrams/visuals)
  • diagram of dog stomach before and after GDV
  • pretend stethoscope

Introduction

To begin, gather all of the students and start the introduction to the topic. You can start by asking if any students have pets and what things they require to keep them happy and healthy. You can continue the lesson by asking the students if they know the function of the stomach and where it is in the canine. Through this introduction you can begin to briefly explain that they will be learning about a condition called GDV in which the stomach gets really big and twists. At this point, it is important that you highlight that this is an emergency condition and seeking veterinary care is crucial to treatment.

Demonstration of Gastric Dilation

Once this topic is introduced, you can start demonstrating with the balloon. Explain that the balloon is the stomach and as you begin to inflate the balloon, this is the food that is entering the stomach. Continue to inflate the balloon, explaining that the more the dog eats and the fuller the stomach gets. Use markers to label the parts of the balloon to show where the food entered, where it should exit, and where air will accumulate. You can pass the balloon around and ask the students what the dog might be feeling when it’s stomach is this big.

Demonstration of Volvulus

Explain that as the stomach continues to expand, it can twist on itself. Twist the balloon gently and use the string/ribbon to demonstrate how the “knot” can form when the stomach turns over itself or “flips”. At this point, you can ask students to help hold the balloon and twist it further to show how the blockage of food occurs.

Emergency Response and Treatment

Reiterate that this is an emergency and this dog will need veterinary intervention. Take the “twisted” balloon to the “vet clinic” which is the large box. At this point, you can ask the students what they believe the veterinarian might do to assess the dog. Demonstrate the “untwisting” of the balloon and explain that the veterinarian will help untwist the stomach to let the food and air out. If you have the pretend stethoscope, you can have the students “check” the dog after the treatment was performed.

Recap and Wrap-Up

Briefly run through what a GDV is and use the key terms such as “bloat” and “twist” Ask the students questions such as what they learned and what things they may see and do if a dog has a bloated stomach. Prompt the students to share their ideas about how they can keep their pets safe by feeding them properly, watching for signs of illness, and getting help when needed.

Common misconceptions and challenge points

One common point of confusion is the concept of a dog’s stomach twisting, which can be clarified by comparing it to a shoelace getting tangled. GDV is dangerous because, when the stomach twists, it blocks air, food, and blood from moving properly, much like a blocked pipe, which can make the dog very sick. Surgery is needed to untwist the stomach, similar to untying a knot in a shoelace, and dogs usually recover with prompt treatment and rest. Preventing GDV involves avoiding activities like eating too quickly or exercising too soon after meals, which can lead to the stomach twisting. This is especially important for large, deep-chested breeds, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds, whose body shapes make them more prone to GDV. Although humans can experience bloating, their stomachs don’t twist in the same way, so GDV is unique to dogs. By addressing these potential areas of confusion with simple explanations and familiar examples, students can better understand GDV while also learning how to care for their pets.

Assessment

The instructor can provide the students with blank sheets of paper and markers in which they can use to explain GDV in their own ways, whether through words or pictures.

There will also be provided online assessments on the following page to reinforce these concepts.

Further exploration

PBS Kids: Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman

This site includes animal care games and activities that teach basic pet health and biology concepts. Students can learn how to take care of animals while playing interactive games.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Kids’ Corner 

The AVMA offers an educational section for kids with activities, fun facts about animals, and resources on how to care for pets responsibly. There are also coloring pages, puzzles, and more!

Vet Set Go! 

This website is designed for kids who dream of becoming veterinarians. It features games, quizzes, videos, and articles that explore veterinary science, animal anatomy, and what it’s like to work as a vet.

Other chapters within this textbook may be interesting for students. Check out the link(s) below:

Melon’s Miserable Christmas

Chicken Nugget’s Tummy Troubles

Dracula’s Halloween Trick or Treat