You are on page 1of 3

Urgence Veterinaire Geneve

Stomach Torsion in Dogs Torsion of the stomach in the dog is characterized by life-endangering distension of the stomach with gas; the stomach is usually found to be severely dilated and congested, and often to have rotated about an axis in the plane of the esophagus. This is an emergency and you should call the Geneva emergency veterinarian aka urgence veterinaire Geneve. The dog should be treated as soon as possible. This condition in the dog has a sudden onset, usually within one to two hours of eating a large meal. The dog is usually severely ill, and can die within one or two hours. It has been reported in young adults as well as fully mature dogs. There is no doubt it can occur suddenly after eating in a previously healthy dog. Dogs that seem to be most at risk are large dogs with a deep chest and a small waist. Dogs that eat fast tend to swallow a lot of air while eating. Dogs that are more nervous, anxious or fearful appear to have an increased risk of developing GVD (Gastric Volvulus Dilatation). In many cases, there is no evidence that a sudden or vigorous movement of the dog after feeding has occurred.

The dog is first breathless and, if examined closely, the abdomen is excessively large. The dog will stand, lie still, or move only with caution.

Prevention It seems there is a high risk of torsion of the stomach if the animal is given one feeding a day; the dog is allowed to drink and to indulge in vigorous exercise after eating. The dog should be fed at least twice daily; he should be discouraged from eating rapidly, and he should not be allowed to play actively before and after feeding. The dog should have access to water continuously so there is less chance he will drink a large amount immediately after eating. Keep the dog quiet at LEAST one hour before and at LEAST 2 hours after a meal. If the dog usually gets rambunctious after a meal, crate this animal. Therefore, it is best to thoroughly soak the kibble for at least 30 minutes before feeding this to the dog. Being aware might be the difference between life and death for your dog. Predisposition If you own a deep chested dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Akita or Great Dane you must be made aware of Gastric Torsion. Stomach torsion is also seen in German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, and others of large size (58 pounds was the average size in one study) It rarely occurs in small breeds. Signs The signs are excessive salivation and drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defecate, evidence of abdominal pain (the dog whines and groans when you push on the stomach wall) and abdominal distension. There could be rapid breathing; pale gums and the dog may collapse. A high number of dogs with stomach torsion have cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment If this occurs, immediate surgery is needed to save the dogs life, and unfortunately, in many cases it is already too late. It is important that the Geneva emergency veterinarian aka urgence veterinaire Geneve first treat the dog for shock with intravenous fluid and drug therapy. Generally, the initial goals of emergency veterinary treatment of GDV are to decompress the stomach and to restore and support the dog's blood circulation. While the diagnosis is simple, the pathological changes in the dog's body make treatment complicated, expensive, and not always successful. When torsion occurs, the esophagus is closed off, limiting the dog's ability to relieve distention by vomiting or belching. Do not insist on accompanying your dog to the treatment area. Once the dog's condition is stabilized, surgery to correct the stomach twist, remove any unhealthy tissue, and anchor the stomach in place is performed. If the condition is not caught early enough, the dog will usually goes into shock, become comatose and then die. If you have been able to get the dog to the Geneva emergency veterinarian aka urgence veterinaire Geneve early enough, and relief isn't seen by passing the naso-gastric tube, surgery becomes the only option.

Conclusion Torsion of the stomach in the dog is characterized by life-endangering distension of the stomach with gas; the stomach is usually found to be severely dilated and congested, and often to have rotated about an axis in the plane of the esophagus. It is commonly called torsion of the stomach; however, many veterinarians, believe the primary condition is not torsion, but distension or dilation of the stomach with gas. This distension may or may not be followed by torsion or twisting of the stomach. Torsion of the stomach is seen most commonly in large breeds including the Great Dane and Bloodhound, as well as some of the intermediate size breeds. A commonly expressed explanation is that the disease is purely a mechanical twist of the stomach. The stomach, containing some comparatively heavy food material, is pictured as swinging in a pendulum-like fashion. This occludes both the entrance to and the exit from the stomach so that gas, which is produced in the stomach, cannot escape, giving rise to the distension. If this occurs, immediate surgery is needed to save the dogs life, and unfortunately, in many cases it is already too late. It is important that the Geneva emergency veterinarian aka urgence veterinaire Geneve first treat the dog for shock with intravenous fluid and drug therapy. Generally, the initial goals of emergency veterinary treatment of GDV are to decompress the stomach and to restore and support the dog's blood circulation.

You might also like