BLOAT & GASTRIC TORSION IN THE DOG
BASIC TIPS
INTRODUCTION
Bloating of the stomach, and then the secondary twisting or torsion of the stomach of deep chested dogs is an all too frequent occurrence. This condition has a very sudden onset and quickly becomes life-threatening without swift Veterinary intervention. Death can occur within a few hours. Stomach can swell to the size of a soccer ball or even basketball or larger.
BREEDS AFFECTED
The deep chested breeds that are the commonly affected include Great Dane(#1), St. Bernard (#2), Weimaraner (#3), German Shepherd , Boxer, Doberman, Standard Poodle, Irish Wolfhound, Greyhound, Basset Hound, Irish Setter and Gordon Setter . On occasion, it can even occur in the Dachshund. I once saw a gastric torsion in a Labrador puppy under 6 months of age.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
1) Deep chested dogs and those with a family history of bloat
2) Older dogs, many over 100 pounds, Males more than Females
3) Eating too rapidly, eating one large kibble meal a day
4) Eating mostly dry kibble (Oils , fats and soybean meal listed in 1st four ingredients)
5) Exercising too soon after eating
6) Occasionally happens when boarding, or post op after any routine surgery. In my experience, most cases presented to the ER around 11 pm or midnight.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
THE HALLMARK OF A GASTRIC TORSION IS UNPRODUCTIVE RETCHING, in which the dog is frequently trying to vomit, but nothing comes up. Abdomen will start to distend with gas and fluid and become painful and tympanic (may be difficult to notice depending on your dogs body shape). Dogs will be nervous and pacing, may be salivating and even start howling. Dogs will become shocky and weak.
If you notice these symptoms, it is best to call the ER Vet Hospital and drive there immediately. ER Vets are typically more equipped for this type of extreme emergency. Your family Vet may be familiar with torsion, but may only be able to assess, and start to stabilize, but then may need to send you to the ER for surgery. These dogs are often in the hospital for at least 24 hours in an ICU setting, and your family Vet may not have overnight coverage.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ER HOSPITAL
On admittance to the ER, IV fluids (and bloodwork) are started, and an X-ray will be taken to confirm Gastric Torsion (vs a Bloat with no stomach twist). With confirmation of a torsion, the dog will be put under general anesthesia, and the stomach emptied and decompressed with a large-bore stomach tube. EKG's will be monitored as some of these dogs will have cardiac arrhythmias.
Dogs will be prepped and proceed immediately to surgery. Usually with the decompression, the stomach de-rotates back to the normal position without further manipulation. A Gastropexy will be performed (attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall) to help prevent a future occurrence.
The stomach wall will be examined for necrosis, and in some cases there needs to be a stomach resection. Occasionally, the splenic vessels are comprised, and the spleen needs removed. The Pexy will prevent a future torsion, but may not necessarily prevent a future bloating that could also need assessment and veterinary care.
Post-op, the dogs are monitored in the ICU, with continued IV fluids, bloodwork, and EKG monitoring. If the stomach was healthy, and no resection needed, the dogs usually make a quick recovery and go home next day. Some dogs will need ICU care a bit longer depending upon their condition.
Getting to the ER Vet immediately definitely increases your chances of a successful outcome. Those dogs without need for a stomach resection usually recover quickly.
As a personal aside, during the time I was an ER Vet, our team saw at least one gastric torsion a week (usually at midnight) . Our Veterinary Technicians were so well trained, that within 1 hour of admittance, the dogs were already stabilized, decompressed and being prepped on the surgery table. My personal record was 3 gastric torsions surgeries in one night, but luckily they came in one after the other.
CONCLUSION
Quick recognition of a bloating or gastric torsion emergency and fast action to get to the Veterinary ER Hospital immediately will yield the best outcome for your dog’s survival!
It is handy to know what disease or conditions your breed of dog is predisposed to developing. A mixed breed dog will have main characteristics of usually just one or two breeds, so keep this in mind if your dog appears to have a deep chest.
Some owners elect to have a preventative Gastropexy done on their deep chested dogs when they are spayed or neutered, so that may be an option to consider and discuss with your family Veterinarian.