Gastric torsion in dogs | Alpenwuff Guide to dog nutrition

Gastric torsion is a feared condition in dogs because it is a life-threatening emergency. In gastric torsion, the stomach rotates around its own axis within the dog's body. The degree of rotation can range from a slight twist to multiple "rollovers" and a rotation of over 180 degrees. With each twist, a tighter twist develops, constricting the stomach entrance and exit, encapsulating blood vessels, and causing circulatory instability (see illustration). Gas can no longer leave the stomach, and blood from the back of the body can no longer return to the heart. Secondary effects can also include the displacement and death of other vital organs, such as the spleen, during the twisting process. This leads to circulatory collapse and, without veterinary intervention, often results in death.

Without intervention, gastric torsion will continually worsen due to the increasing distension of the closed stomach. Initial symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs include restless behavior , constantly alternating between lying, sitting, walking, and standing, as well as excessive salivation. The mucous membranes in the mouth become pale, and the dog attempts to vomit . However, due to the constriction of the stomach, the dog only vomits liquid.

Over time, further symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs appear: the abdomen becomes increasingly hard , the heart rate increases dramatically, and circulatory failure progressively occurs . The dog becomes lethargic , weak, and eventually unable to stand. Without veterinary intervention, gastric torsion leads to death.

Gastric torsion often occurs in dogs when they eat a lot and then move around a lot immediately afterwards. However, gastric torsion can also occur without exercise after increased food intake. Finally, the emergency condition of gastric torsion in dogs can occur at any time , regardless of food intake. In summary, gastric torsion in dogs can strike a dog owner in any situation, so this risk should always be kept in mind . The risk is particularly high if the dog has eaten a lot or very heavily. Furthermore, the risk is greater for some dogs than for others.

Studies show that, depending on size, breed, and age, some dogs are more prone to gastric torsion. Large and medium-sized dogs are at increased risk for gastric torsion. The increased incidence in larger dogs is related to the deeper shape of their chests.

Furthermore, veterinarians Meyer & Zentek (2022) summarize that gastric torsion tends to occur more frequently in the following dog breeds: Great Dane, Bloodhound, German Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Bernese Mountain Dog, Weimaraner, Gordon Setter, Doberman, Akita, Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Irish Setter. Finally, they add that, according to a study, "mostly middle-aged to older dogs are affected." The risk increases from the age of 3 and is most common at an average age of around 7 years. The stomach hangs relatively loosely like a bladder between the esophagus and duodenum in the upper abdomen. With increasing age, the stomach's suspension is assumed to loosen.