Gastric torsion (gdv), also known as twisted stomach or bloat, is a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the organ and causing it to become damaged. GDV results in a loop formation that can cut off blood flow between the upper part and lower part of the intestine as well. Bloat is an emergency in any dog irrespective of their breed, size, and age. Gastric dilation, also referred to as stomach torsion, can occur in any breed of dog, but it is most commonly seen in deep-chested, large breeds such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Doberman Pinschers.
Causes of Gastric Torsion in Dogs
The exact cause of bloat is not known, but there are several factors that are believed to contribute to the development of the condition. These include:
- Deep-chested breed: Dogs with deep chests are more prone to gastric torsion because their abdominal organs have more room to move and twist.
- Eating habits: Dogs that eat one large meal a day, gulp their food, or drink large amounts of water after eating are more at risk of developing gastric torsion.
- Exercise after eating: Dogs that engage in strenuous exercise after eating are also at a higher risk of developing gastric torsion.
- Age: Gastric torsion is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs.
- Obesity: Overweight dogs are more prone to gastric torsion.
- Sex: Male dogs are twice as likely to suffer from the condition than female dogs.
Signs and Symptoms of Gastric Torsion in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing gastric torsion, it is important to act quickly to get them to the vet for treatment. Some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
- Distended stomach: The dog’s belly will appear swollen and bloated.
- Unproductive vomiting: The dog may try to vomit but only bring up white foam or nothing at all.
- Restlessness: The dog may pace or try to settle into a comfortable position but be unable to.
- Salivating: The dog may drool excessively.
- Weakness: The dog may appear weak and lethargic.
- Rapid heartbeat: The dog’s heart rate may become elevated.
- Shock: If left untreated, gastric torsion can progress to shock.
Diagnosis of Gastric Torsion in Dogs
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your dog and take a detailed history of their symptoms. They may also perform blood tests, an X-ray, or an ultrasound to diagnose gastric torsion.
10 Dog Breeds With High Levels of Gastric Torsion
According to the study “Prevalence of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs” from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the top 10 dog breeds affected by gastric torsion are:
Great Dane – 25%
Weimaraner – 15%
Saint Bernard – 10%
German Shepherd Dog – 10%
Standard Schnauzer – 10%
Irish Setter – 10%
Gordon Setter – 10%
Basset Hound – 10%
Doberman Pinscher – 5%
Boxer – 5%
“Canine Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A Review.” Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, vol. 21, no. 4, 2011, pp. 384–395., doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00672.x
“Epidemiology of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 217, no. 5, 2000, pp. 672–676., doi:10.2460/javma.2000.217.672
“Risk Factors for Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.” Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, vol. 35, no. 2, 1999, pp. 113–118., doi:10.5326/15473317-35-2-113
Treatment of Gastric Torsion in Dogs
Treatment for gastric torsion will depend on the severity of the condition and how quickly it is diagnosed. In some cases, emergency surgery may be required to correct the torsion and remove any damaged tissue. Additionally, a gastropexy, which involves suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall, may be performed to prevent the recurrence of gastric torsion. In other cases, medication, including antibiotics, may be used to relieve any pain or discomfort and to prevent further complications.
Prevention of Gastric Torsion in Dogs
There are several steps that you can take to help prevent gastric torsion in your dog. These include:
- Feeding small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.
- Allowing your dog to rest for a few hours after eating before engaging in strenuous exercise.
- Keeping your dog at a healthy weight.
- Avoiding water intake immediately after eating.
FAQs
Can bloat be prevented in all dogs?
No, gastric torsion cannot be prevented in all dogs, but by following the preventive measures mentioned above, you can reduce the risk of your dog developing this condition.
Can gastric torsion be treated without surgery?
It depends on the severity of the condition and how quickly it is diagnosed and treated. In some cases, medication may be used to relieve any abdominal pain or discomfort and prevent further complications, but in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Are all breeds of dogs susceptible to bloat?
Gastric torsion can occur in any breed of dog, but it is most commonly seen in large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Doberman Pinschers.
Can stress play a role in the development of canine gastric torsion?
Stress is not considered a direct cause of gastric torsion, but it can contribute to the condition by altering the dog’s eating and drinking habits, which can increase the risk of gastric torsion.
Is gastric torsion a common condition in dogs?
Yes, gastric torsion is a relatively common condition in dogs, particularly in middle-aged to older dogs and in large, deep-chested breeds.
Gastric torsion is a serious condition in dogs, where the stomach twists and stops blood flow, leading to potential necrosis of the stomach wall and spleen. This can release toxins into the bloodstream, further worsening the life-threatening nature of the condition. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing gastric torsion, it is important to get them to the vet as soon as possible for emergency treatment. Stabilization of your dog is paramount in the treatment of gastric torsion and often begins with intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy. In severe cases, a stomach tube may be passed through the mouth and down the esophagus to try to decompress the bloated stomach and a catheter may be used to remove excess air from a bloated belly of a dog.
By taking steps to prevent gastric torsion, such as feeding smaller meals and avoiding water intake immediately after eating, you can reduce the risk of your dog developing this condition. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment is key to a positive outcome for your dog, so if you notice any signs or symptoms of gastric torsion, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care.
