Skip to content

Digestivas

Gastric torsion (gastric dilatation-volvulus)

The stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. It is one of the most deadly emergencies in dogs. Without immediate surgery, the animal dies within hours.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs

This may be a veterinary emergency

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY. If a large dog has a swollen abdomen and is trying to vomit without success, go to the vet IMMEDIATELY, even at night or on a holiday. Do not wait.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Abdomen swollen and tense as a drum
  • • Unproductive attempts to vomit (retching without bringing anything up)
  • • Extreme restlessness, unable to get comfortable
  • • Profuse drooling
  • • Pale gums
  • • Collapse

Causes

Large, deep-chested breeds (Great Dane, German Shepherd, Boxer, Setter, Weimaraner). Risk factors: eating very fast, a single large meal a day, exercise right after eating, a raised food bowl.

Diagnosis

Immediate diagnosis based on the clinical signs plus an X-ray. There is no time for lengthy tests.

Treatment

EMERGENCY SURGERY. The dog is first stabilised (decompression, fluids) and then operated on to reposition the stomach and fix it in place. Every minute counts.

Prevention

In at-risk breeds: split the food into 2-3 meals, use a floor-level bowl, avoid intense exercise 1 hour before and after eating, slow down eating (anti-gulping bowls). Preventive gastropexy during neutering surgery.

When should you see the vet?

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY. If a large dog has a swollen abdomen and is trying to vomit without success, go to the vet IMMEDIATELY, even at night or on a holiday. Do not wait.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

Wallapets Sign in