GASTRIC dilation–volvulus (GDV) is a challenging but rewarding condition to treat. Appropriate decision making and management can help to achieve a success rate of up to 95 per cent in cases uncomplicated by gastric necrosis. This article, the second of two reviewing the management of canine gastric dilation–volvulus syndrome (GDVs), describes the surgical and postoperative management of GDVs in dogs. An article in the February issue (In Practice, volume 31, pp 66‐69) discussed the diagnosis and initial stabilisation of patients with GDVs.