Gastric Volvulus in Dogs: A Serious Veterinary Emergency

What are the symptoms of gastric volvulus in dogs?

The symptoms of gastric dilatation and volvulus can manifest rapidly and dramatically; therefore, pet owners must remain vigilant. Some early signs to watch for include:

1. Abdominal dilatation, especially behind the last ribs on the left flank. To identify your dog's left side, step over it, keeping the dog's head forward. The dog's left is your left.
2. Marked depression, extreme tiredness and intolerance to exertion. Dogs suffering from gastric torsion often lie panting.
3. Futile attempts to vomit. The dog tries to vomit, with a hoarse noise, but without producing any vomit.
4. Hypersalivation, in candles. Gastric pain and nausea cause abundant saliva to flow from the mouth.
5. Altered consciousness, coma. In the most advanced cases, twisting of the blood vessels causes vascular shock and cerebral hypoxia.

As the condition progresses, affected dogs may exhibit increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, pale gums and eventually collapse or go into shock. If a dog displays any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

What should I do if my dog has a gastric volvulus?

Once you have identified possible gastric volvulus on your dog, you should immediately contact emergency vets near you.

Don't forget that our triage teams are on hand to help you manage the situation.

Here are the first steps you can take while waiting for a consultation:

1. Wipe up any regurgitation of oesophageal juice and abundant saliva to clear the airways.
2. Do not compress the dilated abdomen, as this will exacerbate the compression of neighbouring organs and therefore the state of shock.
3. Offer your dog fresh air to help it breathe and soothe it.

Treated by veterinary emergency services

Veterinary care is complex and involves several stages:

1. Diagnosis of certainty: apart from the obvious symptoms, it is possible to diagnose torsion of the stomach in dogs with certainty by carrying out an abdominal X-ray.
2. Medical stabilisation: the dog is placed on a drip and symptomatic treatment is given to counteract the effects of volume shock.
3. Abdominal decompression: the accumulation of gas in the stomach causes compression of neighbouring organs and vessels. This compression must be relieved as a matter of urgency, either by probing the stomach buccally, or by trocar insertion through the abdominal wall.
4. Abdominal surgery: the final stage in the treatment of stomach torsion in dogs, surgery consists of manually replacing the stomach in its normal position. The vet also takes the opportunity to fix the stomach to the rib wall to prevent recurrence.

Most of the treatment must be carried out in a veterinary clinic or hospital. However, our home vet can diagnose and stabilise your dog medically. Don't hesitate to contact us on 033 0027 0670. Unfortunately, the most advanced cases of torsion may end in euthanasia for your dog.

Causes of aortic gastric volvulus in dogs

Although the exact cause of gastric dilatation and volvulus remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified. Below are some that contribute to the development of the condition:

1. Breed predisposition: Large or giant breed dogs with deep chests such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, and German Shepherds are at a higher risk for developing gastric volvulus.
2. Genetics: A hereditary link has been suspected in dogs predisposed to bloating. Therefore, knowing a dog’s family history can provide essential insights into their potential risk.
3. Nervous temperament: Studies have shown that dogs with anxious or fearful personalities may be more prone to experiencing gastric volvulus episodes.
4. Diet: Feeding habits such as eating rapidly, consuming large meals, or ingesting foods that produce gas may contribute to an increased risk of gastric volvulus.
5. Age and sex: Older dogs and males tend to have a higher incidence of gastric volvulus compared to younger dogs and females.

Preventing bloat in dogs

While there are no surefire ways to prevent bloat completely, certain measures may reduce the risk of occurrence:

1. Feed dogs multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of a single large one
2. Encourage slower eating by using a slow feeder bowl or placing objects like a large ball in their dish
3. Refrain from vigorous exercise, excitement, or stress immediately before or after feeding
4. Consider prophylactic gastropexy if your dog falls into a high-risk category