Written by

Tamatha Hazen

February 17, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average dog stomach flip surgery cost

Dog stomach flip surgery costs depend on the procedure. Preventative gastropexy dog surgery costs for high-risk breeds range from $400 to $2,000, while combining it with neutering in younger dogs costs $1,200 to $3,200. Emergency stomach flip (GVD) surgery costs $1,500 to $7,500+ due to life-saving measures and intensive care.

Prophylactic gastropexy

Prophylactic gastropexy costs $400 to $2,000 and is an elective surgery performed on dogs at high risk of stomach flip from bloat. The vet surgically attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting. Because this is an elected surgery, it carries a lower risk.

Gastropexy with neutering

Combining preventative gastropexy surgery with neutering costs $1,200 to $3,200 but requires the dog to only be put under anesthesia once. This surgery is suitable for large and deep chested dog breeds at least one year old, when large breed dogs reach their full size.

Emergency dog stomach flip (GDV) surgery

Emergency dog stomach flip surgery costs $1,500 to $7,500+ and is a critical, life-saving procedure performed when a dog's stomach has already twisted from bloat. The higher-risk procedure involves de-rotating the stomach, assessing and treating any damage, and then performing a gastropexy to prevent future twists.

What is bloat in dogs?

Bloat in dogs, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress if left untreated. It occurs in two stages:

1. Dilatation (Simple Bloat): The stomach becomes distended due to gas or fluid but does not twist.

2. Volvulus (Twisting): The stomach twists (volvulus), blocking blood flow and trapping contents, which can lead to shock and organ failure, requiring emergency GDV surgery.

This condition is more common in large breed and deep-chested dogs, but it can affect any breed. Without immediate veterinary intervention, bloat can be fatal within hours.

Gastropexy in dogs

Gastropexy is a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting. This surgery is either performed preventatively in higher risk breeds or as emergency treatment for GVD (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), commonly called stomach flip.

Surgical techniques include:

• Traditional open surgery: Involves a large abdominal incision and is effective but associated with more postoperative pain and longer recovery times.

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery: Uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments, resulting in reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of infection.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of bloat in dogs remains unclear, but several factors are known to increase the risk:

• Breed susceptibility: Large, deep-chested breeds are significantly more prone to GDV, including Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles, among others.

• Eating habits: Dogs that eat quickly, consume large meals, drink excessive water, or eat from raised bowls are at higher risk.

• Stress and activity: Stress, anxiety, and exercising immediately after meals can contribute to the development of bloat.

Symptoms

Recognizing bloat early is critical. Symptoms include:

• Attempting to vomit without producing anything

• Swollen or hard abdomen (not always visible in deep-chested breeds)

• Restlessness or pacing due to discomfort

• Painful abdomen when touched

• Difficulty breathing as the bloated stomach presses on the diaphragm

• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

• Collapse or sudden weakness, especially in severe cases

If your dog presents with any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care! GDV can progress from initial symptoms to life-threatening shock within a matter of hours.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians diagnose bloat in dogs through a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests. The primary methods include:

• Physical exam: A general vet examination costs $40 to $80 to assess the dog’s vital signs and look for signs of abdominal distension or pain.

• Abdominal X-rays: Dog X-rays cost $150 to $250 to confirm the diagnosis, visualize stomach distension and torsion, and rule out other potential causes of abdominal distress.

• Blood work: Blood tests cost $100 to $200 to evaluate the dog's overall health, organ function, and electrolyte balance, helping to determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for stomach flip in dogs requires immediate veterinary intervention and typically involves the following steps:

• Stabilization: First, your vet will focus on treating shock and stabilizing the dog. This includes providing IV fluids, oxygen, and pain management.

• Gastric decompression: Next, the vet relieves the stomach pressure by using a tube down the dog's throat or a needle to release gas and fluid.

• Surgery: Once the dog is stable, the vet performs emergency surgery to:

  • Untwist the stomach if it's flipped.

  • Check for and remove damaged or necrotic tissue.

  • Perform a gastropexy (attaching the stomach to the belly wall) to keep it from twisting again.

Recovery

Following emergency GDV surgery, expect a 2- to 7-day hospital stay followed by 10 to 14 days of restricted activity and monitoring for infection and heart arrhythmia. Most dogs completely recover within 3 to 4 weeks but require long-term care to prevent recurrence, including:

• Feeding 2 to 3 small meals daily

• Avoiding exercise for 2 hours after eating

• Limiting water consumption after exercise

Benefits of treatment and prevention

Prompt treatment and prevention are essential for managing bloat in dogs. Benefits include:

• Increased survival: Quick treatment for GDV dramatically improves a dog’s chances of survival.

• Reduced recurrence: Prophylactic gastropexy can lower the risk of GDV recurrence by up to 95% in susceptible breeds.

• Cost-effectiveness: For high-risk breeds, prophylactic gastropexy is more affordable than emergency surgery.

• Improved overall health: Proper management, including dietary adjustments and activity restrictions after meals, reduces the risk of bloat and promotes a healthier, happier life.

Risk and complications

Untreated GDV is almost always fatal within hours. Delayed treatment increases the risk of shock, organ damage, and death. However, surgery comes with its own risks, including infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Even with treatment, there is a small risk of recurrence and long-term digestive issues.

Dog bloat surgery cost factors

Several factors affect the cost of surgery for flipped stomach in dogs:

• Type of surgery (elective vs. emergency): Preventative gastropexy is less expensive, while emergency GDV surgery is more costly due to the need for immediate care, intensive monitoring, and life-saving treatments like shock stabilization.

• Surgical method: Laparoscopic gastropexy is more expensive than traditional open surgery due to specialized equipment and expertise.

• Combination surgery: Adding gastropexy to spaying or neutering may lower overall costs compared to standalone surgery.

• Location and clinic: Costs vary widely depending on geographic location, veterinary clinic type (general practice vs. specialty hospital), and availability of services like vet schools, which may offer lower prices.

• Dog’s size and weight: Larger, full-grown dogs require more anesthesia and medications which can increase costs.

• Insurance coverage: Some pet insurance plans cover emergency GDV surgery but may not include preventative gastropexy unless under a wellness plan.

FAQs about dog stomach flip surgery

Does bloat in dogs always require surgery?

Bloat in dogs doesn’t always require surgery. If the stomach is swollen but hasn’t twisted, vets can often treat it by releasing the gas and providing supportive care. However, if the stomach has twisted (GDV), surgery is necessary to untwist it and prevent it from happening again with a procedure called gastropexy.

What is a gastropexy?

A gastropexy is a surgery that attaches a dog’s stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting. This twisting, called volvulus, happens in a condition known as GDV. While gastropexy doesn’t stop the stomach from bloating, it greatly reduces the risk of a life-threatening twist.

Does gastropexy completely prevent GDV?

While gastropexy dramatically reduces the risk of stomach twisting, it does not entirely eliminate the possibility of bloat (gastric distension). However, dogs with gastropexy are unlikely to experience life-threatening complications from GDV.

Does pet insurance cover gastropexy?

Comprehensive pet insurance normally covers emergency gastropexy for treating GDV. Preventative gastropexy is usually not covered by standard pet insurance plans but might be included in wellness add-ons. Check your specific policy details or ask your insurer for precise details about the costs your pet insurance may cover.

What breeds should get gastropexy?

Large, deep-chested dog breeds are most prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and should be considered for prophylactic gastropexy. The breeds at the highest risk include:

• Great Danes

• Saint Bernards

• Weimaraners

• Irish Setters

• Standard Poodles

• German Shepherds

• Akitas

• Boxers

• Doberman Pinschers

• Bloodhounds

Questions to ask your vet about dog stomach flip surgery

Ask your vet these questions to help you understand the procedure, prepare for recovery, and make informed decisions about your dog’s health:

• Should I consider a prophylactic gastropexy for my dog if they are at high risk for GDV?

• What does the surgery involve?

• What are the risks associated with this surgery?

• How long will my dog need to stay in the hospital after surgery?

• What post-operative care will my dog require at home?

• Are there activity or diet restrictions during recovery?

• What is the survival rate for dogs undergoing this surgery?

• What is the estimated cost of the surgery and follow-up care?

• How can I recognize early signs of GDV in the future to act quickly?

• What should I do if I suspect my dog is experiencing bloat or GDV again?