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.
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 has twenty years of experience with various soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. After graduating from veterinary school, he completed rigorous specialty training in veterinary surgery.
Dr. Wypart is a highly skilled veterinarian with over two decades of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He earned his veterinary degree from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and completed advanced specialty training in veterinary surgery at the European University of Environmental and Life Sciences. His clinical skills have been shaped by extensive international practice across Europe and North America.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2012, Dr. Wypart has become known for his surgical expertise, particularly in orthopedic procedures involving joint trauma, complex fractures, and advanced soft tissue techniques. A member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, he has performed over 1,000 successful TPLO surgeries and remains actively engaged in continuing education focused on fracture management, joint disease, and advanced soft tissue procedures.
Dr. Wypart founded SurgiPet to make high-quality, specialized surgical care more accessible and affordable for pets in San Diego and surrounding communities, with a focus on procedures like TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament repair.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart enjoys growing vegetables in his backyard, perfecting new soup recipes, and hiking Potato Chip Mountain.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with over fifteen years of experience. She ensures pets stay safe, stable, and comfortable - just as human anesthesiologists do for people.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet, where she leads the development of advanced anesthesia protocols to ensure surgical safety and comfort for every patient. She has been dedicated to veterinary anesthesia for over a decade, having completed a competitive 3-year residency in Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school known for its highly respected veterinary training program.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, Dr. Wypart’s clinical focus is entirely on keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery. 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.
Her protocols have been adopted by practices across the region, reflecting her commitment to elevating anesthesia standards and improving surgical outcomes. She collaborates closely with primary care veterinarians and pet owners throughout San Diego County, offering individualized patient care, advanced consultation, and hands-on training for veterinary technicians.
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.
No surprises!
Transparent, All-inclusive Pricing for Surgery
Ready to Give Your Pet the Best Care?
Schedule a consultation today and see why thousands of pet owners choose us.
37 sec
Book in Just Minutes
Simple and hassle-free scheduling for your convenience.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Yes. At SurgiPet, your dog’s surgery is performed by an experienced veterinary surgeon who focuses only on surgery — not general medicine. Every anesthesia plan is developed and overseen by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist to ensure the highest level of safety and care.
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.
Yes, we do - but with a level of expertise and care that goes far beyond the routine. At SurgiPet, gastropexy surgery is performed with the same advanced standards we apply to all surgeries. Our lead surgeon brings over 20 years of experience, and every patient benefits from the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure unparalleled safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
We often care for large breed dogs, as their surgeries - especially gastropexy - can be more technically demanding and their anesthesia needs more complex.
While this high level of surgical and anesthesia care reflects the most modern and safest approach available, it does come at a higher cost than standard animal hospitals. We’re always happy to discuss whether our services are the right fit for your pet’s needs.
Unlike mobile surgeons who visit general vet clinics, SurgiPet is a dedicated surgical center. Here, you’ll personally meet your pet’s surgeon from consultation through every follow-up, whereas mobile surgeons often aren’t available for direct communication.
SurgiPet provides advanced equipment (like 4K arthroscopy, LigaSure, C-arm, and titanium implants) not usually accessible with mobile services. A board-certified anesthesiologist ensures your pet’s safety, answering all your questions.
Additionally, 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.
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.