We own German Shepherds and both the breeder and our vet warned us of bloat. We thought our older GSD had it several years ago, but it was just a tummy ache. Scared me to death because it truly is a life and death emergency.

Good info here.

"GDV is not an emergency where you want to wait until after dinner to take your dog to the vet. And it's certainly not one where you want to wait until the morning to "see your regular vet" or to "see if your dog is still acting abnormal" before taking them to the vet."

http://www.thepreventivevet.com/_blog/The_Preventive_Vet/post/Help_My_Dogs_Stomach_is_Swollen_Bloat_Torsion_and_GDV_in_Dogs_Part_2_Be_Prepared/#.UTZgHqJwo1I