Stomach Torsion in Dogs and How to Prevent It

Stomach torsion, also known as gastric torsion, bloat, and GVD (gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome), is one of the most dangerous canine medical diseases. Torsion in a dog must be treated quickly by a veterinarian in order to preserve his or her life. Without therapy, the death rate is essentially 100%.

Stomach torsion is significantly more prevalent in giant dog breeds than in medium or small dog breeds, however it may affect any dog. Male dogs are also the most often affected with stomach torsion. Great Danes, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Irish Setters are among the big breeds that are more prone to GVD than others. These breeds have chests that are small in comparison to their length and width.

While stomach torsion is often thought to be a single disorder, it really comprises of two. The first is boat dilation, which happens when the dog's stomach fills up with gas and liquids. Instead of emptying correctly, the stomach becomes bigger and larger, producing intense pain and discomfort. This will not go away on its own, and the dog should be brought to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The enlargement of the stomach will fill the bodily cavity, placing pressure on the lungs, heart, and other organs. Volvulus is the second illness. Bloating is usually followed by volvulus (torsion). When this happens, the dog's stomach twists around, entirely shutting off the stomach's ability to empty itself. At this point, surgery will be necessary to preserve the dog's life. Even with early treatment, mortality occurs in around 50% of cases.

Perfusion is also disrupted due to stomach torsion. Perfusion is the process by which nutrients are transferred from the gastrointestinal system to the organs of the body through the blood. When cells and organs are denied the energy they need, they begin to die — cells first, followed by organ death.

A dog suffering from stomach torsion will show extremely visible signs — this is not a subtle ailment, and your friend may try to vomit or retch, have a swollen belly, drool, and walk restlessly. Touching the abdomen typically results in a moan or scream of agony. If left untreated, the dog may have shock, a quick and weak pulse, and collapse. Although the symptoms of GVD are typically obvious, in rare situations the dog may merely go about with stiff legs and a lowered head; this dog may look restless, agitated, and sluggish.

While a blood test is often performed to make a correct diagnosis of bloat, the veterinarian may often treat the disease before the test is done in order to save the dog's life. If the condition is limited to a gas accumulation in the stomach, the veterinarian may be able to insert a tube down the sedated dog's throat and drain the gas. Following the removal of the gas, the stomach will be 'washed out' with warm water to eliminate any debris or fluid that may be present. To avoid infection in the stomach and/or intestines, antibiotics are supplied intravenously. Corticosteroids will also be administered intravenously to quiet the system. Because surgery may be required, a drug to prevent post-operative ulcers will be administered as well.

If volvulus torsion of the stomach has already happened, the only way to preserve the dog's life is to operate to repair the condition. After the fluids have been extracted with a big needle, the dog will be opened and the stomach will be rotated back into place. At this moment, any dead stomach tissue that may have occurred from a lack of blood flow will be removed. Because dogs that have had GVD are prone to stomach torsion, the doctor will tie the stomach to the wall of the body cavity - this will prevent the stomach from spinning in the future, but bloat and gas accumulation may occur again.

Because GVD is such a devastating disease, veterinarians and dog owners are working to find strategies to prevent it from happening in the first place. A variety of ideas have been proposed as to why stomach torsion develops, and dog owners, particularly those with vulnerable breeds, are advised to spread feedings out over the course of the day rather than giving the dog one huge meal. To enable digestion to go properly, avoid exercising for an hour before and after the dog has eaten. Make sure your dog is getting enough water. Do not lift the dog's dishes off the ground. Raising the bowls was assumed to avoid bloat, but the reverse has been discovered. Bloating is supposed to be caused by eating too much dry food. Use canned food to compensate for any issues that the dry food may cause. Before a problem arises, owners of big, deep-chested dogs may consider having gastroplexy done on their dog. This is the technique that connects the stomach to the body wall.

Bloat and stomach torsion are dangerous diseases that owners will be unable to cure or manage at home - see your veterinarian immediately if you feel your dog is suffering from GVD; it may just save your companion and friend's life.