Gastric torsion is a syndrome that dogs can have, especially large ones like the German shepherd or great dane, which is due to the accumulation of gases, liquids or even food in the stomach.
It is a very serious disease that, if not treated in time, can be fatal for our friend. Therefore, we are going to explain how to tell if my dog has a stomach twist.
What is gastric torsion?
It is a inflammation of the animal's stomach, either by gases, water, food, etc. While you have, like all of us, natural coping mechanisms, such as belching, vomiting, and flatulence, sometimes they are not as effective as they should be. When that happens, the stomach dilates. The animal will try to vomit to expel the content but it will not be able to; then gastric torsion will occur.
All dogs can have this disease, but large breed are more likely since they have the rib cage and the largest abdominal cavity. Therefore, the stomach has more room to swing and roll over.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of this serious problem are the following:
- Dilated abdomen: it is one of the first signs that we will observe. Your abdomen will be distended.
- Failed vomiting and nausea: the animal will try to expel the contents of its stomach, but without success.
- Trouble breathing: You will gasp and your cardiorespiratory rate will increase.
- Anxiety and restlessness: You will move a lot due to the discomfort you feel.
- Weakness and lack of appetite: you will feel very bad, without wanting to eat.
How is it treated?
If we suspect you have gastric torsion we must urgently take him to the vet. There, they will do an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and, if confirmed, they will intervene surgically. After removing the contents of your stomach, he will proceed to perform a gastric lavage and will fix the stomach to the rib wall to prevent it from twisting again.
In a few days he will be the same cheerful furry that he has always been 🙂.