What happens during gastric torsion?
To understand what happens during a twisted stomach, it’s important to first know how the stomach is positioned in a dog’s abdomen.
When a dog lies on its back, the stomach curves like a comma from right to left (as seen from above).
In the early stages of gastric torsion, the stomach becomes enlarged or dilated usually due to the intake of a large amount of air, food, or water in a short period. As the stomach expands, the dog can no longer burp or vomit. This results in unproductive retching.
If the stomach becomes very enlarged, it may twist on its axis due to its weight. This completely blocks the exits to the esophagus and intestines, and also compresses blood vessels and restricts breathing causing severe consequences for the rest of the body. Eventually, the dog may die from shock and organ failure.
Which dog breeds are prone to gastric torsion?
Gastric torsion is most commonly seen in large dog breeds with deep chests. Examples include the Great Dane, Dobermann, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, and other large breeds. Basset Hounds are also known to suffer from gastric torsion with some frequency.
What causes gastric torsion?
The exact cause of gastric torsion is not known. However, several risk factors have been identified:
- Characteristics of the dog
- The dog’s general health
- Feeding and diet
Dog-related factors that increase the risk of gastric torsion
Gastric torsion occurs primarily in large dog breeds with a deep chest. It is also more commonly seen in male dogs of middle age. Nervousness and being underweight further increase the risk.
Health-related factors that increase the risk of gastric torsion
Dogs with gastrointestinal issues are more likely to develop gastric torsion. Dogs that have had their spleen removed or that have longer supporting ligaments around the stomach have more room in the abdominal cavity, making it easier for the stomach to rotate. This puts them at greater risk of developing gastric torsion.
Feeding-related factors that increase the risk of gastric torsion
Feeding appears to play a significant role in the development of gastric torsion. Both the timing and quantity of meals are important considerations.
Risk factors include:
- Large meals once per day
- Feeding from an elevated surface (increases the chance of swallowing air)
- Eating too quickly
- Consuming large amounts of food and water
- Activity or restlessness shortly before or after eating
- Small kibble size
How do you recognize gastric torsion in your dog?
Dogs with gastric torsion develop a severely bloated abdomen in a short time. They will also attempt to vomit but nothing will come out. This is called “non-productive retching.”
What are the symptoms of gastric torsion in a dog?
A dog suffering from gastric torsion may display the following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Non-productive retching
- Drooling
- Signs of abdominal pain
- Swollen abdomen on the left side, just behind the ribs
- Rapid breathing
- Elevated heart rate
In later stages, the dog may go into shock, showing weakness and pale mucous membranes. If left untreated, the dog will die. The twisted blood vessels can lead to necrosis of the stomach wall.
What is the treatment for gastric torsion in dogs?
Dogs with gastric torsion are often presented in critical condition. They must be stabilized with intravenous fluids and medication.
The symptoms shown by the dog give the veterinarian a strong indication of the problem. The vet will attempt to insert a tube through the esophagus to release gas and stomach contents. This is only possible if the stomach is overloaded or slightly twisted.
If the stomach has completely rotated, the tube will not reach it. At that point, the vet can use a hollow needle through the abdominal wall to release gas from the stomach. Another attempt is then made to insert the tube.
If this still fails, surgery is required. During surgery, the stomach is manually rotated back into place as much as possible. Afterward, another esophageal tube is inserted to remove excess gas and contents.
Sometimes the stomach is so distended that it must first be surgically opened.
If a dog has already experienced gastric torsion once, the risk of recurrence is high. The supporting ligaments of the stomach will have stretched. This is why, during surgery, the stomach is anchored to the right abdominal wall a procedure called gastropexy. While this does not prevent stomach dilation, it does stop the stomach from twisting on its axis again.
Complications after gastric torsion surgery
If gastric torsion has been present for an extended period, the risk of complications increases. Blood flow to the stomach may have been compromised, leading to potential necrosis of the stomach wall. When circulation returns during stomach decompression, toxins and clots may be released these can cause complications for weeks after surgery. The spleen is often also congested for a long time, which can result in heart rhythm disturbances.
It is therefore crucial that gastric torsion is recognized and treated quickly.
Preventive surgery to avoid gastric torsion
In high-risk dogs, the stomach can be fixed preventively. This is often done in combination with another procedure, such as castration or spaying, since the dog is already under anesthesia.
What can you do to prevent gastric torsion in your dog?
There are several steps you can take to help reduce your dog’s risk of developing gastric torsion:
- Feed your dog several small meals per day
- Feed from ground level
- Choose large kibble that encourages chewing. Mix in wet food if needed
- Prevent gulping; use a slow-feeder bowl if necessary
- Allow your dog to eat calmly
- Avoid activity from 1 hour before to 2 hours after meals
- Consider feeding easily digestible food
Still have questions about gastric torsion in dogs? Contact us at [email protected].
