Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) Scale

Volvulus (Bloat)

Based on the findings of the five-year prospective study of gastric dilatation-volvulus at Purdue University, graphs were drawn to help owners of large (50-99 lbs) and giant (>99 lbs) breed dogs estimate their dog’s lifetime risk of developing GDV. The risks were calculated assuming an average life span of 10 and 8 years for large and giant breed dogs, respectively.

To calculate your dog’s lifetime risk of GDV (bloat) follow the steps below:

1. Determine how many risk factors for GDV (bloat) your dog has according to its weight category. Score 1 point for each.

2. Add up your dog’s total risk score.

3. Use the appropriate graph below to determine your dog’s lifetime risk of GDV.

Example 1: If your dog weighs 70 lbs, and has 3 of the known risk factors (7 years of age, a first degree relative with history of GDV, and is a fast eater compared with other dogs of the same breed) the total risk score would be 3. Using graph A, draw a vertical line from the horizontal axis at the point indicating 2 to 3 risk factors up to the point where it meets the line of the graph. From this point of intersection draw a line horizontally to the left until it intersects the vertical axis. The estimated lifetime risk of developing GDV for your dog is 24%.

Example 2: If your dog weighs 110 lbs, and has 2 of the known risk factors (4 years old, a deep and narrow thorax compared with other dogs of the same breed) the total risk score would be 2. Using graph B, draw a vertical line from the horizontal axis at the point indicating a risk score of 2 to 3. At the point of intersection with the graph draw a line horizontally to the left until it intersects the vertical axis. The estimated lifetime risk of developing GDV for your dog is 28%. Using this method, you can determine how much your dog’s risk of GDV would be reduced if you alter any of the risk factor present.

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