ABSTRACTAcute gastric dilation and torsion with dilation were produced in eleven dogs anaesthetized with halothane. Blood samples were taken during these procedures for biochemical analyses.Serum potassium did not change significantly, but there was a significant increase (p>0‐05) after release of the dilation with torsion. Renal function was impaired with significant increases (p>0‐05) in the serum concentration of urea nitrogen, phosphorous, and creatinine. Evidence of cellular damage was reflected by a significant elevation (p>0‐05) in glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase activity. Serum glucose concentration increased significantly (p>0‐05) during experimental gastric dilation and dilation with torsion.Significant (p>0‐05) acidosis occurred during both gastric dilation alone and gastric torsion with dilation. Changes in pCO2and pO2were generally not significant. Arterial HCO3values were significantly reduced (P>0‐05) 60 minutes after gastric dilation and continued to decrease during gastric torsion with dilation. It was deduced that gastric dilation with or without torsion was associated with metab