Gastric torsion (also known as gastric volvulus) is a dangerous condition where the stomach twists and rapidly deteriorates the overall health of the dog.
It is more common in large dogs but can also occur in small dogs. Risk factors for developing this condition include diet, feeding practices, and lifestyle. Creating a safer environment and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk
What is gastric torsion in dogs? What kind of disease is it?
“Gastric torsion” refers to a condition where the stomach twists due to expansion caused by some factors. A bloated stomach, like a balloon, can compress surrounding blood vessels, leading to circulation issues and shock symptoms. Immediate emergency treatment is required.
What are the symptoms?
Often, the dog may suddenly appear unwell despite having been fine just moments before.
Early Symptoms:
- Abdominal bloating: Gas accumulates in the twisted stomach, causing the abdomen to appear swollen. However, the swelling might not be visible due to rib compression.
- Pale mucous membranes: Gums and tongue may appear bluish due to cyanosis from circulation issues.
- Panting and labored breathing: Pain, circulation problems, or pressure on the lungs from the bloated stomach can cause rapid and shallow breathing.
- Dry heaving and retching: Repeated attempts to vomit without producing any vomit, known as “dry heaving,” is a significant sign. This is more concerning than regular vomiting and indicates a higher risk of gastric torsion or dilation. (Vomiting with actual content can also occur in these conditions.
All of the above are early symptoms of gastric torsion, and even at this initial stage, they are very dangerous signs. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary
As the condition progresses…
Gastric necrosis or peritonitis may occur. Abnormal circulation can lead to shock, lethargy, breathing difficulties, and even multiple organ failure. If treatment is delayed, it can be fatal.
If gastric torsion occurs, prompt treatment as soon as possible is crucial. The twisted stomach is unlikely to return to normal on its own, so avoid waiting at home.
Gastric torsion often happens due to stress from unusual activities, such as during holidays, and is also more common at night. It may occur when your regular veterinarian is closed.
If you suspect gastric torsion, seek immediate care at the nearest available hospital or emergency clinic without waiting for regular office hours.
Causes:
The underlying causes are not always clear, but known risk factors for gastric torsion include:
Splenectomy: Dogs that have had their spleen removed, often due to tumors, are more prone to gastric torsion. Surgical procedures like gastropexy may be performed to prevent this condition. For dogs with a history of splenectomy, careful management of feeding and post-meal activity is advised.
Overeating: Eating large amounts at once or stealing food can lead to rapid stomach expansion, increasing the risk of gastric dilation and torsion.
High food bowl placement: While elevated bowls may help with conditions like megaesophagus, it’s generally better for bowls to be at a lower height unless medically necessary.
Stress: Events like staying at a pet hotel or traveling can trigger gastric torsion due to stress-induced changes in stomach motility.
Nervous temperament: Dogs deemed “timid” by their owners are reported to be about 2.5 times more likely to experience gastric dilation and torsion.
Age: Middle-aged to older dogs are more commonly affected. Insurance data shows an increase in claims for dogs over six years old.
Dogs that have had a splenectomy: The spleen, located next to the stomach, may be removed due to tumors or other treatments. Dogs that have undergone spleen removal are more prone to gastric torsion. During spleen surgery, a gastropexy may sometimes be performed to prevent torsion. For dogs with a history of splenectomy, it is important to carefully manage feeding and post-meal activity to reduce the risk.
Is it okay if a puppy’s abdomen is bloated?
Puppies often have noticeable abdominal bloating after eating due to their underdeveloped physique and abdominal muscles. This is usually normal, as long as the puppy is energetic, not showing signs of nausea, and the bloating subsides after a few hours.
It is important for puppies to eat well, so ensure they receive adequate amounts of food.
However, if the puppy appears lethargic, shows signs of nausea, or vomits repeatedly, caution is needed. While gastric torsion is rare in puppies, ingestion of foreign objects can cause toxicity or intestinal obstruction, leading to symptoms similar to gastric torsion. In such cases, seek veterinary care immediately.
Diagnosis and Testing
Gastric dilation and torsion are diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, abdominal bloating, and pain detected during physical examination. X-rays and blood tests are also performed to assess the overall condition of the dog.
On X-rays, air appears black, so a gas-filled, bloated stomach will look like a large black balloon. Twisting may be seen as an “8” shape or as a shelf-like appearance.
Blood tests often reveal low potassium levels, which require urgent correction through intravenous fluids.
X-rays, blood tests, and emergency treatment for gastric torsion can usually be handled at many veterinary clinics, not just large specialty hospitals. If abnormalities are suspected, it’s advisable to consult your regular veterinarian or a nearby animal hospital.
What are the treatment options if it occurs?
Hospitalization is typically required, and surgery is often necessary.
- Intravenous fluids and blood pressure maintenance: To stabilize the dog’s condition, intravenous fluids are used, especially if there is shock or low blood pressure. If fluids alone are insufficient to raise blood pressure, medications like inotropes may be added.
- Gastric decompression: The bloated stomach can cause severe pain, circulatory issues, and pressure on other organs. To relieve this, the gas is removed either through an oral tube or by inserting a needle into the abdomen.
- Gastric reduction: Since the recurrence rate with only medical treatment is very high (70-80%), surgery is generally performed for definitive treatment. Surgery reduces the recurrence rate to less than 10%. It involves opening the abdomen to correct the twisted stomach and stitching it to the abdominal wall to keep it in place. If the stomach has become necrotic due to loss of blood flow, partial resection of the stomach or removal of the spleen may be needed.
In cases where the dog’s overall condition is poor and surgery is deemed too risky or not immediately possible, emergency measures such as placing a gastrostomy tube for gas relief may be used to stabilize the dog while monitoring the situation.
What are the prevention methods?
Feeding Guidelines
- Choose food size appropriate to body size: Reports suggest that dogs given very small food pellets (less than 5mm in diameter) are at a higher risk for gastric torsion, possibly due to rapid stomach expansion and increased air swallowing. On the other hand, larger food pellets (30mm or more) are associated with a lower risk of torsion, particularly in large breeds like Great Danes, as they require more chewing and thus encourage slower eating.
If specific therapeutic diets limit your options and you can’t choose pellet size, try dividing meals into smaller portions throughout the day or slow feeder dog bowl.
- Avoid binge eating: Rapid stomach expansion from overeating increases the risk of torsion. Instead of feeding once a day, divide meals into two or more portions.
- Prevent food theft: Stealing and consuming large amounts of food can strain the digestive system. Store food out of the dog’s reach. If a dog consumes a large amount, keep them calm for half a day and monitor for sudden lethargy, abdominal pain, or dry heaving.
Feeding Bowl Adjustments
- Keep the food bowl low: Unless needed for medical reasons like swallowing difficulties, keep the food bowl on the floor.
- Use anti-gulping bowls or enrichment toys: Special bowls with obstacles to prevent fast eating are available. Toys that dispense food slowly as the dog plays can also help. These are beneficial for dogs that tend to eat quickly.
Post-Meal Activity
Post-meal walks: Gentle walking can aid digestion, so a slow walk is not necessarily harmful. However, for energetic or bouncy dogs, it may increase the risk of torsion. Light walking to encourage bowel movements is generally fine, but for more active play or exercise, wait until at least 4 hours after eating. Avoid feeding the dog immediately after vigorous exercise; wait about an hour after the activity to feed.
Rest after eating: Food moves from the stomach to the intestines about 3-4 hours after eating. To avoid stress on the stomach, limit exercise for 1-2 hours after eating. Wait at least 4 hours before engaging in vigorous activities.
Monitor Stress from Environmental Changes
- Travel and pet hotels: Gastric torsion can occur due to stress from staying at pet hotels, family trips, or long drives. Before traveling, find and note the nearest veterinary clinic in case of an emergency. In resort areas with fewer veterinary options, consider choosing destinations carefully if you think the risk is high.
When in unfamiliar environments, try to divide meals into smaller portions and allow more frequent breaks to help prevent health issues.
- Minimize stress: Mental stress can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, disrupting digestion and stomach function. Nervous or anxious dogs are more prone to gastric torsion and dilation, so ensuring they remain relaxed and comfortable can help reduce the risk.
Summary
Gastric torsion often requires urgent treatment or surgery if it occurs. You can reduce the risk through proper feeding and lifestyle habits, so it’s important to be cautious and proactive in your daily care.
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