Surgery to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV) in dogs
Expert Gastropexy Surgery for Dogs
Preventive surgery to protect your dog from a life-threatening emergency.
Reviewed by Dr. Jaroslaw Wypart, Chief Surgeon · Sept. 2026
Reduce Your Dog’s Risk of GDV
GDV is a life-threatening condition most commonly observed in deep-chested, large-breed dogs.
Why Gastropexy Matters for Your Dog
Gastropexy is a simple surgery that helps keep your dog’s stomach in the right place. It greatly lowers the chance of a serious stomach twist (GDV) and gives you peace of mind.
We recommend having the surgery done when your dog is around one year old - before the risk of GDV becomes higher.
Helps prevent life-threatening stomach twisting (GDV).- Offers peace of mind for owners of at-risk breeds.
- Can be combined with spay/neuter to minimize anesthesia events.
Best Surgical and Anesthesia Care for Your Dog
Specialist-Led Gastropexy Surgery
At SurgiPet, your dog’s anesthesia is overseen by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist for maximum safety. Every gastropexy surgery is performed by an experienced veterinary surgeon who focuses exclusively on surgery - not general practice.
With years of specialized training, we are committed to providing the highest level of care from consultation through recovery.
Your Dog’s Gastropexy Surgery Journey
Initial Consultation
We don’t rush - each consultation includes a full history, a careful hands-on exam of your dog, and time to talk through your goals, concerns, and what matters most to you.
Surgery Day
Experience counts! Our surgeon has performed thousands of successful surgeries over the course of his professional career. With that experience, your dog is in the best hands.
Going Home
Your pet will go home comfortable, fully recovered from anesthesia, and able to walk. You will receive printed instructions, and dedicated post-operative support is available 7 days a week-including weekends.
Providing peace of mind and comfort
What to Expect After Gastropexy Surgery
Most dogs recover smoothly after gastropexy surgery. They go home the same evening comfortable and fully awake. We’ll walk you through home care so your dog can heal safely and get back to normal life quickly.
Tips for Recovery:
✔ Keep the surgery site clean and dry.
✔ Use cone to prevent licking or chewing.
✔ Stay in touch with our team - we are available 7 days a week.
The Safest pet anesthesia. For Every Pet. In Every way.
Ensure your pet’s safety with expert anesthesia care tailored to their specific needs, managed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Our Success
Dr. Wypart, our founder and chief surgeon, has over 20 years of experience and performs over 250 TPLO surgeries a year.
He handles each surgical consultation personally and walks pet owners through what he found, what the options are, and what he would do.
Dr. Wypart is a veterinary surgeon with more than two decades of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He earned his veterinary degree at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and completed postgraduate certification in small animal surgery at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, in 2004. He received ECFVG certification in 2006 and is licensed to practice in California. His clinical work spans Europe and North America.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2012, his caseload has centered on the stifle, elbow, and shoulder. That includes TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament disease, patellar luxation correction, arthroscopy of the stifle, elbow, and shoulder, and repair of complex fractures including pelvic and femoral trauma. He also performs oncologic and reconstructive soft tissue surgery and treats feline as well as canine patients.
He is a member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association. His continuing education stays current with the field, with advanced training in knee surgery, including TPLO and patellar luxation procedures, joint arthroscopy, orthopedic trauma, fracture repair, and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Wypart founded SurgiPet to give San Diego and North County a dedicated surgery and anesthesia center, with a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist on every case.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart tends his vegetable garden, tries new soup recipes, and hikes to Potato Chip Rock.
2026
Principles of Deformity Correction: Pelvic Limb
AOVET
2026
Comprehensive Elbow and Shoulder Forum
Arthrex
2025
Stifle Evolutions
Arthrex
2025
Mastering Canine Pelvic and Femur Traumatology
Arthrex
2025
Principles of Oncological Surgery of the Skin and Reconstruction Techniques
Nexus Veterinary Continuing Education
2024
Elbow and Stifle Joint Arthroscopy
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
2023
Advanced Fracture Repair
Viticus Group
2022
Patellar Groove Replacement (PGR)
Kyon
2022
Pelvic Fracture, Hip Dislocation and Sacroiliac Luxation Repair
Nexus Veterinary Continuing Education
2020
Feline Medicine and Surgery Update
International Veterinary Seminars
2019
Advanced Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
Intrauma
2017
Advanced Techniques in Small Animal Fracture Management
AOVET
2016
Comprehensive Surgical Management of Stifle Disease
Viticus Group
Dr. Margaret Wypart, our co-founder and medical director, is one of a few veterinary anesthesia specialists in California. She personally evaluates your pet’s health, designs a customized anesthesia plan, and ensures they wake up comfortably - just like an anesthesiologist does for people in a hospital.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet. After veterinary school, she spent three additional years at the University of Pennsylvania's highly respected residency program, focusing exclusively on mastering anesthesia and pain management. This specialized training means she's an expert at keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery—customizing anesthesia for each individual patient based on their age, health status, and the specific procedure they're having. Whether it's a healthy young dog or a senior pet with underlying health concerns, Dr. Margaret Wypart has the expertise to provide the safest anesthesia possible.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, she specializes in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to minimize discomfort and reduce reliance on systemic medications—allowing pets to wake up more smoothly and return home the same day. Her approach follows the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), emphasizing proactive pain control, early mobility, and rapid return to function.
Outside of work, Dr. Wypart enjoys hiking, skiing, and photography.
Amber has over two decades of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician. One of her greatest joys is mentoring and training newer staff, sharing the passion for veterinary care that has driven her throughout her career.
Amber is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Nursing Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. Most of Amber’s career has been spent in emergency and intensive care, where she developed strong skills in critical patient management, anesthesia, and team leadership. For the past two years, she has brought that expertise to our surgical center, where she focuses on ensuring a smooth experience for patients from admission through recovery and supporting our team in providing exceptional surgical nursing care.
Amber is passionate about creating a positive, collaborative environment for both her team and our clients. She believes that every patient deserves individualized, compassionate care and takes pride in building trust with the families who bring their pets to us. She also enjoys mentoring veterinary professionals and helping others grow within the field.
Outside of work, Amber loves spending time with her family and many pets, traveling in their RV, and curling up with a good book.
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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Yes. At SurgiPet, your dog is cared for by two doctors every step of the way. Our surgeon, with +20 years of experience, who performed hundreds of gastropexies, whether as a standalone procedure or combined with spay surgery.
Your dog’s anesthesia is managed by Dr. Margaret Wypart, our anesthesia specialist. Before surgery, Dr. Wypart personally examines your pet, reviews their medical history, and designs an anesthesia plan based on your dog’s health and breed-specific needs. She then supervises your dog continuously from the start of anesthesia through full recovery.
Schedule a surgery consultation to meet both doctors and have all your questions answered before your dog’s procedure.
Yes! Gastropexy can often be performed during spay or neuter surgery, allowing one anesthesia event instead of two.
We recommend gastropexy in the following situations:
- Your dog is a large, deep-chested breed at high risk for GDV (e.g., Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Irish Setter).
- Your dog has a history of GDV, which increases the risk of recurrence.
- Your dog is a high-risk breed undergoing spay or neuter - we often perform gastropexy at the same time to help prevent future bloat.
The age at which a gastropexy should be performed depends on the individual dog and the specific circumstances. In general, we recommend gastropexy in dogs that are at least one year of age, as this is the age at which most large breed dogs have reached their full size and are no longer growing.
However, occasionally we may recommend performing a gastropexy earlier in certain high-risk dogs, such as those with a history of GDV or those with a family history of the condition.
Your regular vet’s clinic handles many types of visits and may have a mobile board-certified surgeon to operate on certain days. SurgiPet is different because we are a dedicated surgery center: our entire facility, team, and protocols are focused on anesthesia and surgery every day.
At SurgiPet, you meet directly with the surgeon to discuss your pet’s condition and what to expect. During surgery, two doctors care for your pet: the surgeon who focuses only on the procedure and an anesthesia specialist who focuses only on safe, comfortable anesthesia.
Post-surgery support is available 7 days a week. If complications like incision licking or accidental injury occur, your surgeon is always just a phone call away.
This level of expertise does cost more than a typical general practice—because it’s a different standard of care. We’re happy to talk through whether SurgiPet is the right fit for your pet and your family.
Yes! Because gastropexy is usually planned in advance, we can often schedule the consultation and surgery on the same day. You’ll first meet with our surgeon to review your pet’s case and ask any questions. After that, your pet will have a pre-surgical exam and bloodwork, then undergo the procedure, and go home later that same day. Just let us know you’re interested in same-day scheduling when you book.
The healing process following a gastropexy surgery is relatively quick. Your pet returns home the same day (outpatient surgery). After being discharged from the hospital, your pet must take it easy for three weeks to allow the incision to heal properly.
During recovery, you must keep your pet calm and quiet. This means keeping them confined to a small area or crate and avoiding any strenuous activity. This also includes keeping your dog on a leash when going outside, limiting exercise and play, and avoiding jumping or roughhousing activities.
Dogs undergoing gastropexy surgery have an excellent prognosis and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, it is essential to follow all our instructions carefully and monitor your dog’s progress during recovery to ensure that the incision is healing properly and to address any potential complications. If you notice any concerning signs, it’s crucial to contact us right away.
At SurgiPet, gastropexy is a flat-fee package that includes nearly everything your dog needs for surgery and follow-up care, so you know your costs up front.
What’s included in the flat fee:
- All consultations with the surgeon
- Anesthesia managed by a doctor who specializes only in anesthesia and pain control — the same type of specialist who runs anesthesia in human hospitals
- Operating room and surgeon’s fee
- All standard surgical supplies used during your dog’s procedure
- Pain medication, sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-nausea meds for the first 2 weeks
- All recheck exams for 4 months (sedation included if needed)
- Pre-op bloodwork (if needed)
Not included: medications beyond two weeks (such as sedatives), treatment of surgical complications, or rechecks beyond 4 months.
Gastropexy surgery pricing at SurgiPet (2026): $2,450