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Bloat and Stomach Torsion

The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to the first time Dane owner of bloat and stomach torsion, which is the number one killer of Great Danes and other "deep chested dogs" We are sure you will have many questions about this problem and we will attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions about the problem.

What exactly is stomach torsion?

Torsion or "twisted stomach" is exactly that. The stomach twists and turns, and in fact, can flip over. Most commonly accompanied by bloat, which is the expansion of gas in the stomach. The result is the cutting off of blood circulation to the stomach. If left untreated, the stomach literally dies. This is fatal.

What causes stomach torsion/bloat?

The precise cause of torsion and bloat is still unidentified by the AVMA. There are many factors and many different schools of thought as to what causes this emergency. Contributing factors may include genetics, stress or anxiety, large feedings, and exercise following feeding.

What are the symptoms?

The most obvious symptom is distended stomach, obvious pain and discomfort, the dogs refusal to lie down. Most often these symptoms are late in the progress of the stomach torsion. Earlier symptoms can include repeated retching or trying to throw up with out results, excessive salivating, a hic-cup like movement of the head. This list of symptoms is a compilation of what we have seen in our own pets and not based on any veterinary manual.

What do I do if I think my Dane is having this problem?

TAKE YOUR DANE TO THE VET OR 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CENTER IMMEDIATELY. Stomach torsion/bloat have been known to kill in as little as 45 minutes. There is no time to waste. It is critical that Dane owners know exactly where your closest Animal Emergency Center is and know how to get in touch with your own vet.

How can I prevent this from happening to my Dane?

There are several ways to cut down on the chances of this happening to your dog, including the following:

	1. Feed your dog 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal.
	2. Restrict your dog’s activity 30-60 minutes prior to a meal and for 1 to 2 hours after the meal. If you must leave, crate your dog to insure the dog’s activity is restricted.
	3. Always keep simethicone (Phazyme) on hand and if you suspect your dog is bloating, give him/her 8-10 of these pills and rush to your vet.
	4. There is a surgical procedure for dogs that have a history of stomach torsion/bloat. It is called a circumcostal gastropexy and actually takes a part of the stomach and tacks it to the last rib. Once this surgery is performed, even if your Dane does bloat, there is no risk of the stomach twisting and thereby killing your dog.