Your dog seems uncomfortable and is showing signs of distress. Torsion of the stomach in dogs, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a life-threatening condition that strikes fast. This article will guide pet parents through recognizing urgent symptoms, understanding why immediate veterinary surgery can save your pet’s life, and how to support recovery after pet emergencies.
Keep reading to protect your furry friend.
What is Torsion of the stomach in dogs?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as torsion of the stomach in dogs or bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the dog’s stomach becomes overly filled with gas, food, or fluid and then twists on itself.
This twist prevents anything from escaping the stomach and cuts off blood flow to the organ, affecting other nearby organs. Such a blockage puts a dog at serious risk of going into shock due to rapidly decreasing circulation throughout its body.
This medical emergency situation is most common among older large breed dogs with deep chests like Great Danes and Standard Poodles. Despite our best efforts to understand GDV fully, its exact cause remains elusive; genetics, along with size and chest shape, appear to play significant roles in predisposing certain dogs to this condition.
Immediate veterinary intervention, including emergency surgery, is critical for untwisting the stomach and saving the dog’s life.
Common Causes
- Genetics – Certain dog breeds with deep chests like Great Danes and Standard Poodles have a higher risk of developing gastric torsion. This condition is partly due to their physical structure.
- Age – Older dogs are more likely to suffer from this life-threatening issue, highlighting the importance of monitoring aging pets closely.
- Eating habits – Feeding one large meal per day instead of several smaller meals can increase the risk. Fast eating may also contribute to this dangerous condition.
- Exercising after eating – It’s crucial for pet owners to avoid rigorous activity post-mealtime to help prevent their pets from developing bloats or torsion.
- Stress – High-stress situations can exacerbate risks, suggesting that maintaining a calm environment is beneficial for at-risk dogs.
Symptoms
- Bloating or distended stomach
- Difficulty breathing
- Unproductive retching
- Drooling and vomiting
- Behavioral changes
- Sudden shock
The Importance of Veterinary Emergency Surgery
Benefits of Veterinary Emergency Surgery
- Promptly addresses the life-threatening situation by untwisting the stomach and restoring blood flow to vital internal organs.
- Relieves pressure build-up from gas, food, or fluid; this immediate relief can prevent further damage to the digestive system and other organ systems.
- Through stabilizing measures during surgery, emergency veterinarians also combat shock in dogs with gastric torsion, significantly improving survival rates.
- Post-surgery care often includes managing any complications that may arise from the twisted stomach in dogs. This comprehensive approach helps ensure a smoother recovery process.
- Dogs who receive timely veterinary emergency surgery have significantly higher chances of surviving this potentially fatal condition compared to those whose treatment is delayed or not given at all.
- Prevents recurrence of GDV when combined with a preventative technique known as gastropexy which secures the stomach in place.
Risks of Untreated Torsion of the Stomach
Dogs experiencing torsion of the stomach, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), face severe health risks if they do not receive prompt treatment.
- This condition cuts off blood flow to the stomach and can affect other organs, putting the dog in a critical state.
- Without emergency veterinary surgery to correct the twisted stomach, dogs can go into shock due to decreased blood circulation and severe pain. The lack of critical care dramatically reduces their chance of survival and may lead to death.
- Continuous pressure from gas and fluid build-up in a distended stomach damages stomach tissue, hampers breathing, and causes significant discomfort.
- Untreated GDV leads to necrosis (death) of stomach tissues. Dead tissues cannot heal, implying the possibility of further complications or fatal outcomes.
- Delaying surgical intervention for gastric torsion increases risk factors for other life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or peritonitis caused by bacterial infection spreading in the abdomen when damaged tissues release bacteria into otherwise sterile areas.
What to Expect During Emergency Surgery
Preparing Your Dog for Surgery
- Fast your dog before the surgery to prevent vomiting and aspiration. Your veterinary surgeon will provide specific instructions, typically no food, after midnight the day before surgery. Small sips of water may be allowed, but always check with your vet first.
- Ensure your pet is calm and comfortable on the way to the veterinary clinic. Use a familiar blanket or toy in their carrier to help reduce stress. Stress can affect recovery, so keeping them relaxed is key for a smooth surgical experience.
- Follow all pre-operative instructions given by your vet carefully. These might include temporarily stopping certain medications or adjusting your dog’s diet. Precise adherence to these directions supports both the safety and success of the emergency surgery for gastric torsion.
What happens during surgery?
- Surgeons start the emergency surgery for gastric torsion by making an incision in the dog’s abdomen to access the twisted stomach.
- They carefully untwist the stomach and check it, along with nearby organs, for damage. Parts of the stomach or spleen might need removal if they are badly damaged.
- After correcting the twist, emergency vets often perform a surgical procedure called gastropexy, attaching part of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future episodes of torsion.
- Throughout this critical operation, vets closely monitor dogs’ vital signs due to shock risk from gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV).
- Fluids and medications are administered to stabilize their condition before closing up their incisions gently.
Post-Surgical Care Tips for Successful Recovery
- Keep your dog calm and quiet after they come home from emergency surgery for gastric torsion. Limit their activity to prevent stress on their healing body, focusing on short, gentle walks for bathroom breaks only.
- Follow the vet’s instructions carefully regarding food and water intake post-surgery. Initially, offer small amounts of water and easily digestible food to avoid any strain on your dog’s recovering digestive system.
- Monitor your dog closely for signs of discomfort or complications, such as excessive whining, refusal to eat, or a distended stomach. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
- Ensure that your dog wears a protective cone if recommended by the vet to prevent them from licking or biting at their surgical site, which can lead to infection or reopening of the wound.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to check on your dog’s progress and recovery from gastric torsion surgery. These visits are crucial for adjusting treatments and promptly addressing any issues.
Other Common Surgical Emergencies
Septic Peritonitis
Septic peritonitis is a severe medical condition that occurs when infection fills the abdominal cavity, often resulting from a rupture in the digestive tract. This situation allows bacteria to spill into the abdomen, leading to widespread inflammation and infection.
Dogs may develop septic peritonitis from conditions like gastric torsion if their stomach twists severely enough to breach its wall or from other sources of internal injury.
Immediate veterinary emergency surgery is often necessary to address septic peritonitis. Surgeons work quickly to clean out the infected material and repair any damage within the abdomen. Without prompt surgical treatment plans, this infection can rapidly lead to toxic shock and prove fatal for pets. Hence, recognizing early signs of distress and seeking immediate emergency care are crucial steps in managing this life-threatening scenario effectively.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a severe infection of the uterus that occurs in dogs, often requiring urgent veterinary surgery. This condition can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
It typically affects middle-aged to older female dogs that have not been spayed. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, fever, and a noticeable increase in thirst and urination. The only effective treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy).
Ruptured Gallbladder
A ruptured gallbladder in pets, similar to emergency conditions like torsion of the stomach in dogs, demands immediate veterinary intervention. This serious condition occurs when the gallbladder becomes inflamed and eventually bursts, leading to leakage of bile into the abdomen that can cause severe infections or sepsis.
The symptoms may not always be clear-cut but can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is often required to treat this life-threatening situation.
Dystocia
Dystocia is a critical condition that affects dogs during childbirth, where they struggle to deliver their puppies naturally. This emergency situation requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent life-threatening risks to both the mother and her offspring.
Various factors can cause dystocia, including the size of the puppies, the position of the fetus, or health issues in the mother. Veterinarians often use emergency surgery as a solution to safely deliver the puppies and ensure the well-being of the mother.
Trauma or Injuries
Trauma or injuries in pets often require emergency veterinary surgery to prevent life-threatening conditions. Dogs may encounter various forms of physical harm such as being hit by a vehicle, falling from a height, or getting into fights with other animals, which can result in broken bones, internal injuries, or severe lacerations.
These situations demand immediate attention to alleviate pain and address critical damage that could be fatal if left untreated.
Veterinary emergency for gastric torsion also involves dealing with complications arising from trauma, where swift surgical intervention is necessary. This underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional help without delay.
Emergency veterinary care provides the best chance for recovery by stabilizing your pet’s condition before it escalates into a more serious issue like shock or organ failure.
Guide Your Pet to a Speedy Recovery with Emergency Surgery Today!
Torsion of the stomach in dogs demands immediate action. Recognize signs like bloating and distress early. Quick veterinary intervention can save lives. Surgery corrects the twist, offering a chance for recovery. Preventative steps reduce GDV risk significantly.