Prophylactic Gastropexy: A Preventive Surgery That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we offer a procedure called prophylactic gastropexy—a preventive surgery designed to reduce the risk of a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat.

Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. It progresses quickly and is fatal if not treated immediately. Unfortunately, even with emergency surgery, GDV can have a high mortality rate. That’s why many veterinarians—including our Fargo vet team—recommend prophylactic gastropexy for at-risk dogs.

This surgery involves securing the dog’s stomach to the abdominal wall, preventing it from twisting. It does not prevent the stomach from filling with gas, but it does prevent the deadly torsion that makes GDV so dangerous. Gastropexy can be done as a standalone procedure or at the same time as a spay or neuter to minimize recovery time.

So who should consider this surgery? We recommend it for large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Boxers, Standard Poodles, and Weimaraners—especially if they have a family history of GDV. Some mixed breeds with deep chests may also be good candidates.

While no surgery is entirely without risk, gastropexy is generally safe, with a relatively short recovery time and minimal long-term complications. Most importantly, it offers peace of mind—and potentially lifesaving protection for your dog.

If you have questions about prophylactic gastropexy or whether your dog is a good candidate, contact our veterinarians in Fargo ND. We’re happy to walk you through the details and help you make an informed decision for your pet’s health.