Gastric torsion in dogs is a serious pathology that is more frequent in large breeds, such as the German Shepherd, the Great Dane, the Giant Schnauzer, the Saint Bernard or the Doberman. It happens when there is a significant dilation and torsion of the stomach as a result of the accumulation of gases, food or liquids.
How easy it is to imagine, we are facing a serious condition that, if not treated in time, can even cause the death of the animal. Keep reading this article on our site to find out everything about gastric torsion in dogs, symptoms, causes and treatment
What is gastric torsion in dogs?
As we go on, gastric torsion in dogs, typical of large breeds, consists of a significant dilation and torsion of the stomach as a consequence of the accumulation of gases, food or liquids. In this situation, the ligaments of the stomach cannot withstand the dilation of the stomach, which causes the stomach to twist on its axis.
Under normal conditions the stomach is capable of emptying its contents physiologically. But, in this case, what happens is that this elimination does not take place. This has the consequence that the stomach begins to dilate. The dog will try to vomit to empty it, but failing to do so, the stomach will end up turning on itself and completely blocking the openings that connect it to the esophagus and to the intestine.
The twisting causes the arteries, veins, and blood vessels in the digestive tract to constrict, which interrupts blood flow and It causes some organs to stop working. Hence the extreme severity of gastric torsion. If the dog does not receive treatment in time, it can die.
Causes of stomach torsion in dogs
Although intestinal torsion in dogs can occur in any breed, it is the larger ones that are more predisposed, such as the aforementioned Great Dane, and also those with a deep chest, such as the Pointer. Weimar, Medium Poodle or Boxer.
The causes of this problem are the following:
- Large food or liquid intake: The animal eats a lot of food or liquid quickly and after physical exercise. It is typical of young large breed dogs. In older dogs it is usually caused by an accumulation of air that cannot be evacuated physiologically.
- Stress: can appear in dogs that are easily stressed due to changes in their routine, mating, excessive excitement, etc.
- Relative with a history of gastric volvulus.
Symptoms of stomach torsion in dogs
Since this disease can happen to any dog and must be treated immediately, it is good that you learn how to know if your dog has gastric torsion, which involves knowing the symptoms in order to react in time. In this way, the most common signs that indicate that a dog may be suffering from a dilated stomach or gastric torsion are:
- Unsuccessful attempts to vomit and gagging: the animal tries to vomit but is not successful. If you wonder if a dog with gastric torsion can defect, the answer is negative.
- Anxiety and Restlessness: The dog is constantly moving and restless.
- Profuse salivation.
- Distended Abdomen: A distended abdomen is observed. Tympanic sound is heard when tapped.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Weakness, depression and lack of appetite.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms you should take him to the vet immediately, since he could be suffering from a dilation and torsion episode
Diagnosis of gastric torsion in dogs
The veterinarian makes the diagnosis of gastric torsion or dilatation based on the dog's clinical symptoms and some additional characteristics. The breed and history can support the diagnosis, since, as we discussed in previous sections, this disease is more common in some breeds of dogs and in dogs that have previously suffered from it.
X-rays are also often taken to confirm this diagnosis. The x-ray allows you to clearly see if the stomach is distended or not. Also, if the stomach has been rotated, the pylorus (opening that connects the stomach to the intestine) is seen displaced from its normal position.
How to cure gastric torsion in dogs? - Treatment
There are no home remedies or tricks to apply. In the event of gastric torsion in a dog, you should go to the vet immediately, since it is an emergency in which the life of the animal is at stake. Try to handle it carefully until you reach your trusted veterinarian and try to prevent it from moving a lot. The vet will have to perform an intervention to try to save him.
How is the stomach torsion operation in dogs?
Once at the clinic, the veterinarian will sedate the animal and administer fluids and antibiotics intravenously. The contents of the stomach will be extracted using a orogastric tube through the mouth, the stomach will be decompressed and gastric lavage will be performed.
If it is not possible to use the tube, the stomach will be trocharized, that is, The abdominal wall will be perforated with a drill or needle. Finally, surgery will be performed in which the stomach will be fixed to the costal wall (gastropexy) to reduce the risk of another gastric torsion. It may be necessary to remove necrotic areas or organs, such as the spleen.
In the postoperative period of stomach torsion in dogs, the animal should not be allowed to eat or drink for about 36 hours. You will need the administration of intravenous fluids, which is why you must remain admitted to the veterinary center. If after this time it evolves favourably, you can introduce food, always gradually.
How long does a dog last with stomach torsion?
Prognosis Varies by severity. When dilation and torsion are treated early, the prognosis is usually good. However, if necrosis has started, the mortality rate is high even after surgery.
Dogs that make it past 48 hours post-op usually have a very good chance of surviving. Therefore, it is essential to go to a veterinary medical center as soon as possible. If you don't, your pet could die in a few hours.
How to avoid gastric torsion in dogs?
Especially in summer it is very important to be warned and informed to avoid possible gastric dilation and torsion in dogs. Here are some tips:
- Split the food: This is to prevent our pet from eating large amounts of food at once. The goal is to spread the food throughout the day into two or three smaller servings rather than one larger one.
- Avoid drinking a lot of water in a row, especially after meals.
- Restrict physical exercise: the dog must be prevented from practicing a lot of physical activity before and after eating, leaving two hours margin.
- Not providing food late at night.
- Do not stress the animal while it eats: the dog should be allowed to eat calmly and not be stressed.
