What is GDV? Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) is a serious, life threatening condition also known as torsion or bloat.  It occurs when gas, fluid, and/or food gets trapped in the stomach, causing the stomach to distend and sometimes twist, thereby cutting off the blood supply.  It is extremely painful and will be fatal usually within a few hours without emergency treatment.  Some dogs will not survive GDV even with emergency treatment.