Ozzy’s Emergency Adventure: A GDV Success Story
Case Histories
Meet Ozzy, a sweet, playful 1-year-old Goldendoodle who recently gave his family (and our team!) quite a scare while vacationing in Charleston.
A Scary Start
It was a sunny afternoon when Ozzy was outside enjoying some playtime. Shortly after, his owners noticed something was wrong; he began retching without bringing anything up, a classic red flag for a serious condition called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV).
Acting quickly, they rushed him to Island Pet Urgent Care, where Dr. Jill Odle immediately began stabilizing him. Thanks to her fast response, Ozzy was able to be safely transferred to Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) for emergency treatment.
What Is GDV?
GDV, sometimes referred to as “bloat,” is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It cuts off blood flow, causes extreme pain, and can become fatal in a matter of hours without emergency surgery. It’s most common in large, deep-chested breeds, like Goldendoodles.
The Emergency Response
At CVRC, Ozzy was admitted to our ER by Dr. Claire Akin. After confirming the diagnosis, our on-call surgeon, Dr. Steven Garnett, was called in for immediate surgery.
During the operation, Dr. Garnett performed a gastropexy (a procedure that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future twisting) and a splenectomy, as Ozzy’s spleen had been compromised during the torsion.
A Happy Ending
Ozzy spent two days recovering in our hospital, winning hearts left and right. Despite everything he’d been through, he never stopped being the sweet, affectionate boy his family knows and loves. In fact, he would often roll over and show us his belly, his way of asking for his favorite thing: belly rubs!
We’re happy to report that Ozzy is now home and doing great. He’s back to his usual self, enjoying life, playtime, and of course… chicken dinners.
What You Can Learn from Ozzy’s Story
Ozzy’s case is a powerful reminder of how critical it is to act fast when something seems off with your pet. GDV can escalate quickly, but with timely recognition and a coordinated response, pets like Ozzy can make a full recovery.
If your dog ever shows signs of retching without vomiting, a swollen abdomen, restlessness, or discomfort, don’t wait! Seek emergency care immediately.
Thank you to Ozzy’s wonderful family for trusting us with his care, and to the entire veterinary team, from Island Pet Urgent Care to CVRC, for working together to save this sweet pup.
Have questions about GDV or emergency care for your pet? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re always here when you need us.
