Gastropexy Surgery in Dogs

What It Is, Why It's Needed, What to Expect, and How We Support You

Why Might Your Pet Need This Surgery?

A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that permanently attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent a life-threatening condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or "bloat."

This procedure may be performed in two situations:

  • Electively: to prevent GDV in high-risk dogs (such as large and deep-chested breeds)
  • Emergently: after a dog has already experienced GDV, as part of life-saving surgery

We offer preventive gastropexy for at-risk dogs, often at the same time as spay or neuter surgery. It can also be scheduled as a standalone procedure.

Veterinary Referral: Recommended, Not Required

A referral is recommended but not required for preventive gastropexy surgery. Most procedures are elective, and many owners choose to schedule directly with us.

However, if your pet has a history of bloat, GDV, abdominal surgery, or if they are showing signs of illness at the time of consultation, we may recommend or require:

  • A full physical exam or diagnostics with your primary veterinarian
  • Pre-surgical imaging or lab work
  • Medical clearance for anesthesia in at-risk pets

What Does the Surgery Involve?

Gastropexy is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the abdomen, and a portion of the stomach is sutured to the inner abdominal wall. This prevents twisting of the stomach (volvulus) while still allowing for normal digestion and movement.

  • Your pet will recover in-clinic and be sent home with medication and detailed aftercare instructions.

Are There Alternatives?

For at-risk breeds, gastropexy is the only definitive preventive option for GDV. There are no medications or feeding strategies that can reliably prevent the stomach from twisting. If gastropexy is declined, owners should be prepared to seek emergency care at the first signs of bloat.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Prevents life-threatening GDV in at-risk dogs
  • Reduces emergency surgery and euthanasia risk
  • Can be combined with spay or neuter to reduce anesthesia events

What Are the Risks?

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Infection, swelling, or incision issues
  • Rarely, adhesion formation or gastrointestinal upset
  • Does not prevent gastric dilatation (bloating), only torsion (twisting)

What's Included in Our Surgical Care

Gastropexy Surgery Package: $725.00

Price includes:

  • A personalized anesthesia plan with multimodal pain control
  • IV catheter placement and fluids
  • Anesthesia and multiparameter monitoring
  • Surgical gastropexy (standalone or with sterilization, if scheduled)
  • Post-op stabilization and in-clinic recovery
  • Take-home medications (pain control and antibiotics)
  • Discharge instructions and recovery plan

When Additional Care Is Needed

Most pets undergoing gastropexy surgery do not require overnight care and are discharged the same day. This is a minor procedure in most cases and is well tolerated by healthy patients.

If complications arise, or if your pet has other health concerns requiring more intensive care, we may recommend transfer to an emergency or specialty facility. This may occur if:

  • Your pet experiences unexpected anesthetic or recovery complications
  • They require 24-hour medications or monitoring
  • They are systemically ill or severely debilitated

Any costs associated with overnight or continued care will be the owner's responsibility.

Aftercare: What to Expect at Home

Your pet will go home with:

  • Oral medications for pain and inflammation
  • Instructions for incision care, activity restriction, and feeding
  • Guidance on when to return for recheck or suture removal

Mild swelling, grogginess, or reduced appetite may occur in the first 24–48 hours. Most dogs recover well within 10–14 days.

Have Questions?

Please reach out to our team. We are happy to coordinate with your veterinarian and support your pet’s surgical care, whether elective or post-GDV.