Bloat in the Building: What Every Veterinary Team Member Should Know About GDV

When a GDV case hits the clinic, the whole atmosphere changes. The clock ticks louder and the pace quickens. Everyone – from reception to recovery – has a role to play.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is among one of the most urgent and critical conditions you can encounter in animal medicine. While the medical response often falls to the doctors and technicians, the entire clinic team becomes part of the emergency response unit in a GDV case.

Here’s how every roles can help make a difference:

1. Client Service Representatives (CSRs): First Contact, First Calm

They’re the first voice and the first face clients encounter – and in a GDV case, that can mean everything.

• Recognize red flags: If a client calls saying their dog is trying to vomit but nothing’s coming up, has a swollen belly, or seems restless and drooly, flag it immediately to a tech or vet. These are GDV warning signs.
• Stay calm and clear: Panicked clients may struggle to explain what’s happening. Reassure them, gather key information, and communicate clearly. For example: “That sounds like it could be a serious issue. Please bring your dog in immediately – we’ll alert the medical team so they’re ready for your arrival.“
• Prepare the room and the team: While the pet is en route: notify staff, prepare the exam or treatment room, and ensure the client’s arrival is seamless.

2. Veterinary Assistants & Technicians: The Fast Hands

Their experience in triage, restraint, and monitoring makes them an essential part of the GDV response.

• Triage quickly: GDV dogs may look stable at first, but decline fast. Be ready to jump into action with IV access, decompression, and supportive care under the vet’s direction.
• Be the calm in the storm: The patient will be uncomfortable, the client will be emotional, and the doctor may be moving fast. Your ability to stay steady is key.
• Support your teammates: Help CSRs manage the lobby, assist other techs with restraint or anesthesia, and ensure all hands are where they need to be.

3. Veterinarians: Leadership in Chaos

Doctors not only make the diagnosis and treatment decisions – they lead the team through high-pressure moments.

• Be clear and decisive with instructions: In a GDV case, seconds matter – guide the team with confidence and delegate appropriately.
• Communicate kindly and honestly with pet owners: Remember that they’re scared, overwhelmed, and making emotional decisions under pressure.

4. Kennel Staff & Animal Care Attendants: Behind-the-Scenes Heroes

They may not be in the treatment room, but they’re part of the care team.

• Make space: Clear recovery areas, prep warm blankets, and ensure post-op patients are monitored and clean.
• Assist where you can: Help with cleanup, laundry, running supplies, or just being an extra pair of hands when things are moving fast.

5. Everyone: Teamwork is the Lifeline

GDV cases are all-hands-on-deck. Communication, efficiency, and mutual support are the foundation of a successful outcome.

• Stay in your lane – but stretch when needed: Know your role, but be ready to lend a hand wherever possible.
• Debrief when it’s over: Whether the outcome is a success or a loss, take a few minutes as a team to process what happened. Emergency cases are intense – it’s okay to feel it.
• Celebrate the wins: Saving a GDV patient is a triumph. Take a moment to acknowledge the teamwork it took to pull it off.

Final Thoughts: Your Role Matters

Whether you’re answering phones, placing catheters, or prepping the surgical suite, your role in a GDV case can make all the difference. These moments are reminders that veterinary medicine is a team sport – and when we move as one, we save lives.