Stomach Torsion In Dogs
Stomach Torsion in Dogs and How to Prevent It
By Ron M. Ayalon
Oct 1, 2014
Also known as gastric torsion, bloat, and GVD (gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome), stomach torsion is one of the most serious of canine medical conditions. A dog that develops torsion must be seen by a veterinarian immediately in order to save his or her life. Without treatment, mortality is effectively 100%.
Stomach torsion is much more common in large dog breeds than it is in medium or small, although theoretically any dog can suffer from this. Male dogs are also the main victims of gastric torsion. Some large breeds are more likely to experience GVD than others, and these breeds include Great Danes, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Irish …show more content…
Perfusion is the process by which nutrients are delivered from the gastrointestinal system, through the blood, to the body's organs. Once cells and organs are deprived of the energy they need, they will begin to die - cells first, to be followed by organ death.
A dog who is experiencing gastric torsion will exhibit very obvious symptoms - this is not a subtle condition and your companion will attempt to vomit or retch, exhibit a distended abdomen, drool, and wander restlessly. Touching the abdomen will often produce a whimper or yelp of pain. If untreated, the dog may go into shock, have a rapid and weak pulse, and suffer a collapse. Although the signs of GVD are often unmistakable, in some cases the dog may simply walk around with stiff legs and hold the head down; this dog will appear restless and anxious and will be …show more content…
A number of theories as to why gastric torsion occurs have been put forth and dog owners, especially of susceptible breeds, are counseled to spread feedings out over the course of the day, rather than giving the dog one large meal. Avoid exercise for an hour before and for an hour after the dog has eaten to allow digestion to progress smoothly. Make sure that your dog is drinking plenty of water. Do not raise the dog's bowls up off the floor. Raising the bowls was initially thought to prevent bloat, but the opposite has been found to be true. Too much dry food is thought to contribute to bloat. Use some canned food to offset any problems the dry food may present. Owners of large, deep-chested dogs sometimes consider having gastroplexy performed on their dog before any problem occurs. This is the procedure whereby the stomach is attached to the body
By Ron M. Ayalon
Oct 1, 2014
Also known as gastric torsion, bloat, and GVD (gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome), stomach torsion is one of the most serious of canine medical conditions. A dog that develops torsion must be seen by a veterinarian immediately in order to save his or her life. Without treatment, mortality is effectively 100%.
Stomach torsion is much more common in large dog breeds than it is in medium or small, although theoretically any dog can suffer from this. Male dogs are also the main victims of gastric torsion. Some large breeds are more likely to experience GVD than others, and these breeds include Great Danes, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Irish …show more content…
Perfusion is the process by which nutrients are delivered from the gastrointestinal system, through the blood, to the body's organs. Once cells and organs are deprived of the energy they need, they will begin to die - cells first, to be followed by organ death.
A dog who is experiencing gastric torsion will exhibit very obvious symptoms - this is not a subtle condition and your companion will attempt to vomit or retch, exhibit a distended abdomen, drool, and wander restlessly. Touching the abdomen will often produce a whimper or yelp of pain. If untreated, the dog may go into shock, have a rapid and weak pulse, and suffer a collapse. Although the signs of GVD are often unmistakable, in some cases the dog may simply walk around with stiff legs and hold the head down; this dog will appear restless and anxious and will be …show more content…
A number of theories as to why gastric torsion occurs have been put forth and dog owners, especially of susceptible breeds, are counseled to spread feedings out over the course of the day, rather than giving the dog one large meal. Avoid exercise for an hour before and for an hour after the dog has eaten to allow digestion to progress smoothly. Make sure that your dog is drinking plenty of water. Do not raise the dog's bowls up off the floor. Raising the bowls was initially thought to prevent bloat, but the opposite has been found to be true. Too much dry food is thought to contribute to bloat. Use some canned food to offset any problems the dry food may present. Owners of large, deep-chested dogs sometimes consider having gastroplexy performed on their dog before any problem occurs. This is the procedure whereby the stomach is attached to the body