It is probably every dog owner’s worst nightmare – the dog’s stomach torsion. In this medical emergency, the animal’s stomach rotates once around its own longitudinal axis, resulting in a life-threatening situation for your four-legged friend. But how do I recognize a torsion in the stomach? And how do I behave correctly in an emergency to prevent my dog from certain death?
How can gastric torsion occur?
The dog’s stomach is not firmly anchored to the abdominal wall. It is held primarily by the esophagus at the entrance to the stomach and the small intestine at the exit. This flexible support, therefore, encourages rotation of the organ. However, there is no clear cause or explanation for a torsion in the stomach. In the past it has been shown that large breeds such as mastiffs, German shepherds or St. Bernards are more susceptible to this disease. This is due to their large, deep chest, which gives the stomach more room to maneuver. In addition, older dogs also have an increased risk of developing gastric torsion. This is probably due to weakened connective tissue and relaxed tendons holding the stomach.
If your dog’s stomach has already turned, this has the most serious consequences. The rotation separates the esophagus and small intestine, which means that neither gas nor chyme can escape from the stomach. As a result, the organ continues to inflate until it finally threatens to burst. The enormously expanded stomach circumference can cause tears in the stomach wall, which result in the stomach contents escaping into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to life-threatening peritonitis. Due to the bloating, the stomach presses on surrounding organs such as the heart and lungs as the disease progresses. Cardiac arrhythmias and shortness of breath are the result.
Ultimately, tissue dies due to a constriction and the associated undersupply of the stomach, which can lead to irreparable damage. The spleen, which is attached to the stomach, is also pinched off from the blood supply in the course of a rotation and can no longer fulfill its function. All of these factors eventually lead to circulatory shock and ultimately certain death of the dog if a vet is not consulted in time.
When does gastric torsion occur?
Any dog can experience a torsion in the stomach. However, larger and older dogs are more at risk of becoming ill. Unfortunately, there are no clear reasons for a stomach torsion.
Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs
But what if your dog is already suffering from a torsion in the stomach? The following applies here: recognize symptoms and go to the vet immediately! Even if you only suspect that your dog is suffering from torsion, there is no time to waste. Your dog is already in mortal danger! It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of the night, if you want to start your holiday or if you have doubts – your pet needs you! Waiting means certain death for your dog. But how do I recognize an illness? Here are some symptoms:
- The rotation itself causes your dog a brief ache that makes him howl
- Excessive Restlessness – Your dog often changes positions between lying down, standing
- up, and walking around
- Stomach drawn in, back arched
- Head held low
- Bloating belly
- Drumming noises when the abdomen is gently tapped
- loss of appetite
- Attempts to choke without vomiting
- Lack of bowel movements
- Heavy salivation
How do you recognize a torsion in the stomach?
Stomach torsion can cause a variety of symptoms. The rotation itself causes your dog a brief ache that makes him howl. Other symptoms are severe restlessness, tummy tucks and a hunched back.
Correct behavior in an emergency
You correctly interpreted your dog’s symptoms. What steps should you consider next? Here are some important tips in case of an emergency:
- Keep a cool head – otherwise your emotions will be transferred to your dog.
- Never give first aid! Unfortunately, you cannot help your animal yourself in this situation.
- An independent turning of the dog could have serious consequences. Your dog’s bloated stomach could burst. You also cause your animal additional pain.
get help - Find out in advance whether your vet is open and whether he can operate on a gastric torsion – then get in the car immediately and off you go! Your vet should know the following things before you arrive: What happened, when did it happen, what other injuries your dog has, and are there any additional abnormalities.
- Let your dog do what he feels comfortable with – if he wants to go, he can; if he prefers to sit while driving, the same applies.
- Leash your dog while driving to avoid additional injuries. If necessary, put a muzzle on him.
- You should stay next to your dog during the trip to the vet to notice any health changes and to reassure him.
- If the emergency occurs in the summer, make sure that the transport car is not heated to avoid additional stress on the circulatory system.
The right aftercare
Quiet is the order of the day! Long walks and climbing stairs are strictly prohibited. You should also discuss with your veterinarian when, what, and in what quantity your dog can eat again. At best, observe your dog’s faeces and whether he has any pain during bowel movements and clarify any ambiguities that may arise with your veterinarian. Other organs, such as the heart and lungs, may have been affected by the enormous pressure of the bloated stomach during the rotation. Therefore, have them checked regularly after a stomach torsion. Your four-legged friend may have to take medication after an illness.
How long does a dog with torsion survive?
The following applies here: recognize symptoms and go to the vet immediately! Even if you only suspect that your dog is suffering from torsion, there is no time to waste. Your dog is already in mortal danger!
Late effects
After surviving a stomach torsion, many dogs suffer from long-term effects. Due to the constriction of the stomach, it was temporarily not supplied with sufficient oxygen, which means that some tissue areas of the organ die off and are irreparably destroyed. Therefore, your dog needs special food throughout its life, because the natural function of the stomach is no longer given. The stomach wall may have suffered additional damage from the bloated state, causing stomach contents to escape. This can lead to serious peritonitis and damage other internal organs.
The spleen is anchored to the dog’s stomach. When the stomach twists, it turns with it and is also cut off from the blood supply, which leads to irreversible damage to the organ.
In an emergency, the dog’s bloated stomach can put pressure on the lungs and heart. Breathing problems and cardiac arrhythmia are therefore not uncommon late effects of gastric torsion. In the worst case, the individual organ damage can cause the animal to go into shock.
What favors a stomach torsion in dogs and how can I avoid it?
Any dog can experience a torsion in the stomach. However, as mentioned, larger and older dogs are more at risk of becoming ill. Unfortunately, since there is no clear reason for gastric torsion, there is no clear measure to avoid it. However, here are some tips to help prevent disease:
- Your dog should eat several small portions per day. A large portion a day favors bloating of the stomach and thus a twist.
- Your dog’s bowl should be on the floor so that your animal has to eat with a deep head and doesn’t swallow unnecessary air.
- Don’t just feed dry food. This stays in your pet’s stomach longer than wet food.
- Some dogs may have a hereditary predisposition – it is best to check your dog’s pedigree and, if in doubt, consult your veterinarian about preventive measures.
- Does your dog have a lot of stress? This also promotes disease.
- Make sure your dog isn’t frolicking and spinning for at least two hours after a meal. He should also not go downstairs during this time.
How do you prevent torsion in the stomach?
Unfortunately, since there is no clear reason for gastric torsion, there is no clear measure to avoid it. For example, your dog should be given several small portions of food, the bowl should stand on the floor and it should not only be fed dry food.
Stomach torsion is a serious emergency and should not be taken lightly under any circumstances. In the course of a gastric torsion, during the operation or in the course of the long-term effects, around 30% of the diseased dogs still die or have to be euthanized.
