Gastric torsion in dogs – symptoms, causes, treatment

Almost everyone has heard of gastric torsion – fortunately, it is already known that you have to keep the dog to eat greed and do not force him after eating. But what really is a gastric twist, what are the risks and how to diagnose correctly?

Gastric torsion is a very serious injury to the stomach. The direct cause is not fully known, but it is worth knowing this problem so much, because a quick response can save your dog’s life. Read how gastric torsion is diagnosed and treated in dogs.

Gastric torsion in dogs – What is it?

Gastric torsion is a rotation of the stomach around its axis, usually 180, sometimes even at 360 degrees. Usually, clockwise – but this is not a rule. During a turning point, the dog’s stomach expands: the increase in the volume is influenced by the accumulation of liquids, food and gas in the stomach that cannot go to the intestine. Sometimes, the spleen is also designed during the twist. Gastric torsion in a dog is an emergency condition that requires immediate veterinary intervention.

Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs

Imagine that our dog’s stomach is «blocked» by a turning point. The natural symptom is therefore an enlargement of the abdomen on the one hand, also the puppy tries to vomit – unfortunately without success. In addition, the dog can be very weak, lazy, panting and salivating a lot.

The mucous membranes of his mouth can become pale.

How long does gastric twist in dogs last?

It is impossible to give a clear estimate of the duration that a twist of the stomach can have in a dog – one thing is certain, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if you suspect this work.

The untreated gastric torsion inevitably leads to the painful death of the dog – and it is practically impossible for a twisted stomach to return to its place.

How to treat a gastric twist in dogs?

First of all, it is necessary to diagnose the fact of twisting through an ultrasound examination, which will clearly confirm that we are dealing with a twist and not just an enlargement of the stomach, which sometimes happens.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor surgically cancels the stomach. It is also an ordinary practice sewing the stomach on the abdominal wall, that is gastropexia. This is done to prevent the recurrence of the affection.

What should be done when the dog has a gastric twist?

The answer to this question is the one above – Go to the vet as soon as possible. It is not possible to help your dog without the intervention of a surgeon. Gastric torsion is a purely mechanical injury that can only be treated in this way.

Ideally, the operation should take place within 5-6 hours of the appearance of the first symptoms: any more hour involves a huge risk of permanent deterioration of the stomach and spleen.

Dog after gastric twisting operation – What do you need to know?

After the operation, the dog usually remains in the clinic for 2 or 3 days – during which the doctor evaluates if his health returns to normal and if the digestive system begins to function normally. For several days, foods are carefully inserted in the dog’s diet, under constant observation. In addition, the dog can receive infusions, antibiotics and analgesics. It must avoid excessive physical exercises for several weeks. It is also advisable to monitor the heart and liver, which could have been damaged.

Unfortunately, gastric torsion is a condition that you like to repeat, so it is important to always look at your dog after an accident and react quickly if something worrying.

What are the causes of gastric twist and what are the breeds of dogs with risk of gastric twist?

The cause of gastric torsion is not clearly established, but the risk can have a genetic basis. The large breeds of dogs, such as St Bernards, dogs, retrievers, shepherd dogs and Bern mountain dogs are particularly exposed to the risk of twisting.

The probability of gastric torsion has also increased by chronic fear and stress of the animal, malnutrition and eating with too much greed.

The danger of gastric twist also occurs due to too intense training immediately after the meal.

How to prevent gastric twist in dogs?

Above all, it is a good idea to follow the principle that walks on the ground. After each meal, the dog must be at least 30 minutes to relax before playing us. It is also a good idea to divide the daily meal into at least two or even smaller portions. If our dog eats too greedy, it is worth considering the use of an arch that slows down food

It is also possible to prevent the stomach on the abdominal wall, but this is not a commonly used procedure.

Photos sources: Canva.com

Natalia Bąk