In the following, we will explain what causes a stomach torsion in dogs and what symptoms you have to look out for. You will also find out what options there are for prevention and what the chances of recovery are.
Key facts at a glance
- A gastric torsion is always a medical emergency that ends fatally within a few hours.
- Age, stress, and the way the dog eats can all contribute to gastric torsion.
- Larger dog breeds are more likely to be affected than small dog breeds.
- Always have an emergency number ready if you suspect a torsion so that the vet can prepare for the operation – every minute counts.
What is gastric torsion?
In dogs, the stomach is not firmly connected to the abdominal cavity, but is held in the intended position by flexible ligaments. If your dog suffers a torsion of the stomach (torsio ventriculi), it turns around its own axis.
As a result, blood vessels and nerves, among other things, are pinched off. Gas cannot escape from the stomach. The dog’s body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen and blood and the four-legged friend dies within hours of a circulatory collapse.
Possible causes of gastric torsion in dogs
In most cases, the causes of gastric torsion in dogs cannot be clearly determined. However, it is known that there is an increased risk in certain dog breeds. These include, in particular, large breeds such as German Shepherds and Boxers. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, are affected much less frequently. Apart from that, the following factors promote gastric torsion in dogs:
- Hasty gulp of food
- Feeding a large portion daily
- Romping around right after eating
- Excessive stress to which the dog is exposed
- Frequent gulping of air
- Weak gastric bands in older dogs
Preventing gastric torsion in dogs
Of course, the hereditary disposition of your four-legged friend cannot be changed. Nevertheless, there are quite a few measures that you can take to at least reduce the risk of stomach torsion in your dog.
Instead of giving the animal all of its food at once, you should divide it up into two to three smaller portions. This is easier on the stomach and reduces the likelihood that your dog will suffer from a torsion.
Also, make sure your dog doesn’t wolf down his food too quickly. For this purpose, the purchase of a so-called anti-sling bowl can be worthwhile. Also make sure that your dog rests after eating and avoid exposing your four-legged friend to excessive stress.
Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs
A dog that suffers a torsion of the stomach will initially appear restless and will try to vomit in vain. Also, because the torsion of the stomach prevents gases from escaping from the stomach, the animal’s abdomen becomes very bloated and hard. This is associated with great pain for the dog.
The affected animal finds it increasingly difficult to breathe and the pulse is greatly increased. In addition, the mucous membranes of the dog are noticeably light-colored due to the insufficient blood supply and the salivation is very strong. Eventually, due to the stomach torsion, the dog will pass out and collapse.
Stomach torsion in dogs: surgical treatment required
If your dog suffers a torsion, you must act immediately. There are no first aid measures that you can use to help your four-legged friend. Instead, you must contact a vet immediately and make your way to their office.
The only possible treatment for canine torsion is surgery. First, the veterinarian stabilizes the animal’s circulation with an infusion and drains gases using a special syringe. The veterinarian then puts the dog under general anesthesia, corrects the position of the stomach and sews it up to the abdominal wall to prevent it from turning again.
Not all dogs with torsion can be saved
Torsion of the stomach can lead to numerous complications in your dog. Among other things, it can cause tears in the wall of the stomach or the need to remove the spleen or parts of the stomach because of the temporary interruption of the blood supply.
It is also not uncommon for other organs such as the liver, kidneys or heart to be affected by the torsion of the stomach in dogs. Even prompt emergency surgery is therefore no guarantee that your dog will survive the gastric torsion. Almost a third do not survive the emergency despite veterinary care.
Treating gastric torsion is expensive
Surgery is one of the most expensive veterinary services. The necessary intervention to treat a torsion in the dog’s stomach is no exception. As a dog owner, you can expect veterinary costs of around 1,200 euros for the operation.
Possible complications and an inpatient stay that may be required are not yet taken into account and can also drive up the bill.
covers the operation costs
In order not to be left with veterinary costs in the event of a torsion in your dog’s stomach, we recommend that you take out dog health insurance. With you can choose between comprehensive health insurance and pure surgery insurance for this purpose.
Depending on the tariff you choose, you can protect yourself against the financial consequences of your dog’s stomach from a monthly premium of from . Calculate your premiums now and ideally send us your insurance application today.