Gastric torsion is an urgent emergency. The dog’s life is in danger, which is why it must be treated by the veterinarian as soon as possible. Generally, surgery is required when the dog has gastric torsion. Large dogs are particularly at risk for gastric torsion. As a trigger, it is often observed that the dogs have previously eaten a lot and then played.

When Does Gastric Torsion Occur In A Dog?

Stomach torsion primarily occurs in dogs when the animal has previously eaten a lot of food and played immediately after eating. However, gastric torsion in dogs can also occur if the animal has not eaten anything beforehand. Sober dogs can suffer gastric torsion as well as overfed dogs. Cases have been observed where the dogs had previously eaten but then remained calm.

There appears to be a correlation to food choice: Wet food is easier for the stomach to digest. Dry food breaks down in the stomach, which subsequently increases volume, can lead to bloating, and increases the risk of gastric distention. Wet food is easier on the stomach than dry food. After gastric torsion has occurred (and recovery), veterinarians also recommend giving wet food instead of dry food to still be gentle on the stomach.

Clear Signs Point To Gastric Torsion

On the X-ray, gastric torsion can be recognized by the so-called “pointed cap”. The name is based on the shape created by the rotation. Thus, the presence of gastric torsion can be detected by X-ray examination.

But before the veterinarian can confirm gastric torsion on the x-ray, there must be a suspicion of gastric torsion: You must recognize the signs that indicate gastric torsion. Basically, always be careful if your dog is not feeling well.

If your pet is in pain, restless or lying in his basket suffering, you need to find out what the causes are. The symptoms can indicate gastric distress in dogs, but they can also have many other signs.

Recognize The Symptoms Of Gastric Torsion In Dogs

The symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs are non-specific. Gradually, the dog’s health situation worsens, causing more symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs to appear or the signs to become more obvious.

The more gases accumulated in the body, the worse the dog feels. At the beginning, the animal is often restless. Possibly the dog runs back and forth in the apartment, is agitated. The back curves, the head is lowered and hangs low. The quadruped tries to escape from the unpleasant and painful situation by constantly changing its posture. Alternately, the dog stands, lies down or walks. Probably the most typical symptom of gastric torsion in dogs is the attempt to vomit.

The stomach is contracted at its entrance, so the dog can only choke out foam. If the dog drinks water in such a situation, the water cannot enter the stomach. The liquid is vomited or flows back out of the muzzle.

The more advanced the gastric torsion is in the dog, the rounder and more tense the stomach becomes. Time is of the essence, as this is an extremely life-threatening situation. In such an emergency, you must not wait, but directly contact the veterinarian or the veterinary hospital.

If the gastric torsion occurs in the evening or at night, then in no case wait until the next morning. The dog will become increasingly apathetic and weak due to the gastric torsion. A symptom of gastric torsion in dogs that appears in later stages is a white and pale mucous membrane of the mouth. It indicates imminent circulatory failure and poor general condition. The dog is no longer able to sit up and will suffer circulatory shock if it does not receive help from the veterinarian. The only life-saving effect is surgery, as the dog’s gastric torsion must be resolved. The sooner the dog receives treatment, the greater its chances of survival.

What Happens In The Dog’s Body During Gastric Torsion?

In its normal state, the stomach hangs between the duodenum and the esophagus. It is therefore located in the upper abdomen. When gastric rotation occurs in a dog, the stomach rotates around its own longitudinal axis. This rotation is possible because the stomach is basically free to oscillate and is thus able to rotate. This rotation has drastic effects for your darling: The digestive gases are held in the body instead of being able to escape.

Within a very short time, the stomach inflates. Since blood from the back of the body can no longer flow back to the heart, there is a risk of circulatory shock. There is an additional danger: The rotation not only affects the stomach, but other organs are also negatively affected by the rotation. In particular, the pancreas and spleen are affected. Vital organs slowly die. If surgery is not performed, then the dog will die.

Risk For Gastric Torsion In Dogs

A deep chest is a risk factor for gastric torsion in dogs. Large and medium-sized dogs are most affected. German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Saint Bernards, and Boxers have a greater risk for gastric torsion than many other dog breeds.

But remember: any dog can suffer gastric torsion, and the occurrence is not limited to certain dog breeds. You must therefore pay attention to the symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs. The risk of gastric torsion in dogs changes throughout the dog’s life.

Young dogs are less at risk than older dogs. From the age of about five years, the risk in the dog for gastric torsion increases. Giant breeds have a significantly increased risk for gastric torsion as early as three years of age. Another factor influencing the individual risk of gastric torsion in dogs is the presence of gastric torsion that has already occurred in the past.

If your pet has had gastric torsion before, the risk is usually higher. Veterinarians try to avoid the risk of a recurrence by surgically fixing the stomach to the front abdominal wall. Studies have shown that in the absence of such fixation, gastric torsion recurs in 80 percent of all cases. If the dog has survived the surgery well, then it needs rest and recovery.

FAQ

Do Large Dogs Have An Increased Risk Of Gastric Torsion?

Yes, large and medium sized dog breeds have an increased risk.

Can Gastric Torsion Heal Without Surgery?

No, during surgery the stomach is repositioned. Some parts of the stomach may already be dead.

Can Gastric Torsion Occur Only After Eating?

The risk of gastric torsion in dogs is higher after eating. However, gastric torsion also occurs regardless of when the dog eats.