Understanding Gastric Torsion and Its Treatments

Different breeds are known to be predisposed towards various diseases, but perhaps none is so worrisome as gastric torsion.  This disease, also known as bloat, occurs when the stomach of an animal, typically filled with gas, flips over.  While there is no way to know just when this condition might strike, it is life threatening and your dog must receive immediate veterinary care.  Gastric torsion has been known to kill in twenty minutes.

Larger breed dogs, most notably the Great Dane and the Bloodhound, are most susceptible to this condition and many veterinarians will offer to staple the stomachs of these dogs in place when they are having surgery to be spayed.

The danger in gastric torsion lies in the fact that a bloated stomach and certainly a twisted stomach, can cut off blood circulation to other vital organs which will rapidly lead to death.  Even when the stomach is bloated and has not flipped the intense pressure on the stomach walls can cause very limited blood circulation.

There are a number of signs that any dog owner should be able to recognize that suggest bloat or gastric torsion.  A bloating animal will have an abdomen that will feel very hard and solid to the touch instead of somewhat soft as is normal.  The animal will also often seem to be in pain and will not want to move much.  You may also smell a foul odor emanating from your pet.

If these signs are present, do not wait to see what happens, rush your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.   If practical, call the clinic on the way to tell them that you will be arriving with a case of what you suspect to be bloat.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent bloat.  Having an at risk dog’s stomach stapled in place is a good preventative measure but you should also keep some Gas-X or activated charcoal on hand.  If your dog is bloating, these pills could help slow the process, possibly saving your dog’s live.

If you are comfortable with it, you may be able to acquire a bloat needle from a veterinarian.  Not all veterinarians will give you one of these because it can be dangerous if used incorrectly, but knowing how to use one properly can alleviate the massive pressure building in your dog’s stomach.

Consider also raising your dog’s food up off the ground to a easier to reach height.  This may prevent your dog from gulping air with his food.