Gastropexy - Emergency GDV
Aproximate Cost:
$1,800 - $2,300
What It Is
GDV, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach rapidly fills with gas and twists on itself. Emergency surgery involves decompressing the stomach, rotating it back to its normal position, assessing for tissue damage, and performing a gastropexy—suturing the stomach to the body wall to prevent it from twisting again in the future.
Why It’s Performed
This surgery is performed to save the pet’s life by relieving the stomach torsion, restoring normal blood flow, and preventing recurrence. GDV is most common in large, deep-chested dog breeds and can be rapidly fatal if untreated. A preventive gastropexy may also be performed electively in high-risk breeds during routine spay or neuter.
Risks Involved
GDV surgery carries higher risks than routine procedures because pets are often critically ill by the time of surgery. Potential complications include heart rhythm abnormalities, infection, bleeding, tissue death requiring partial stomach or spleen removal, and postoperative shock. With rapid treatment, survival rates are good, especially if no stomach tissue has died.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets stay hospitalized for 2–4 days for intensive monitoring and supportive care. After going home, activity is restricted for 3–4 weeks while the incision heals. A safety cone is used to prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site. Most dogs regain normal energy and appetite within a few weeks.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform GDV emergency surgery and prophylactic gastropexy with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality surgical care accessible and affordable for local pet owners, and we provide clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of this critical procedure.
*Previous workup required or to be performed at visit.
*Post Op ER Required.
*As an add-on for spay or neuter $400-600.
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
-
All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
-
Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
-
Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
-
All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
-
IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
-
Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
-
Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
-
All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
-
-
Pre-anesthetic blood work
-
Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
-
-
Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
-
Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
-
If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.