Gastric Torsion in Dogs: Triggers, Treatment and Causes
A gastric torsion is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Theoretically all dogs can suffer from this but certain breeds are particularly at risk.
How a dog's stomach twists
A dog’s stomach is not firmly connected to the abdominal cavity: it’s suspended on straps. This makes it very flexible, which makes a stomach rotation (Latin: torsio ventriculi) possible.
If a dog suffers a gastric torsion, this means that its stomach turns longitudinally around its own axis. This causes the entrance and exit of the stomach to be blocked, preventing air from escaping and pinching blood vessels and nerves.
Without immediate countermeasures, this leads to an insufficient supply of blood and oxygen in the body, so that the rotation of the stomach causes a deadly circulatory collapse in the dog within a few hours.
Causes of gastric torsion in dogs
There are a number of factors that play a role in the risk of stomach torsion in dogs. In particular, the breed of dog is of crucial importance. Large dogs generally have a much higher risk of stomach torsion than small dogs.
The following dogs are particularly susceptible to gastric torsion:
- Bloodhound
- Great Dane
- Big greyhounds
- Irish Wolfhound
- Collies
The age of the dog also plays a role, because the stomach ligaments in old dogs are usually more stretched and therefore offer less stability.
There also seems to be a certain genetic predisposition and dogs whose parents have already experienced a gastric torsion often can experience it too.
There are various other factors that can further increase the risk of a gastric torsion. In addition to feeding a single large meal a day, these factors include running around immediately after eating.
Excessive stress and dry food that swells up in the dog's stomach can also contribute to the development of gastric torsion.
Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs
A twisted stomach is noticeable in dogs through a number of symptoms. One of these is a highly distended abdomen, caused by air trapped in the stomach. In addition, the quadruped will unsuccessfully try to vomit and make a remarkably restless impression.
In addition, the following signs in dogs can indicate a stomach twist:
- Shortness of breath
- Increased pulse frequency
- Pale mucous membranes
- Strong saliva
- Curved back and retracted stomach
- Apathy
- Unconsciousness
First aid for dogs with gastric torsion
A twisted stomach is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. There are no first aid measures. You should therefore concentrate on keeping calm and taking your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.
To avoid waiting times, you should announce your arrival by telephone in advance. This way you give the vet the opportunity to prepare the treatment of your four-legged friend. If your dog is able to walk despite a twisted stomach, he is allowed to do so. If he cannot, you must carry him to the car and to the surgery.
How a stomach twist is treated in dogs
Surgery is the only way to treat a dog with gastric torsion. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and involves rotating the stomach into the correct position and attaching it to the abdominal wall. This is to prevent the stomach from rotating again.
Even a promptly performed operation is no guarantee that your dog will survive the rotation of the stomach. It is estimated that almost 30% of all affected animals die from possible complications such as cardiac arrhythmia, tears in the stomach wall or a simultaneous rotation of the spleen.
Prevent the dog from twisting his stomach
Considering the possible consequences and the high mortality rate, it is important that you reduce the risks of stomach torsion in your dog as much as possible. Even though you have no influence on the predisposition of your four-legged friend, there are still some things you can do.
You should always make sure that your dog rests after eating. Ideally, your dog should not jump around excessively for two hours after his meals. It's also important to avoid unnecessary stress before and after feeding.
To prevent the dog's stomach from spinning, it's a good idea to divide his food ration into two or three portions and thus relieve his stomach a little. You should also make sure that your dog does not gobble down his food in a few moments. If necessary, a so-called anti-slingling bowl can help here.
Food for dogs with an increased risk of stomach torsion
The right food can also help reduce the likelihood of your dog's stomach turning. For large breeds of dogs that are known to be at increased risk, we therefore recommend the cereal-free, cold-pressed dry dog food from Bellfor.
The cold-pressing process causes the croquettes in your dog's stomach to swell less, relieving the stomach of your dog friend. In addition to classic varieties such as chicken or fish, our cold-pressed dry food is also optionally available in a hypoallergenic version with insect protein.
The latter is suitable for dogs with an increased risk of stomach problems as well as nutritionally sensitive dogs and dogs with food allergies.
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