answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The cause of this disease is in some way related to the shape of the dog's chest, it tends to affect dogs whose chest has a tear-drop profile instead of a round profile like that of a Bulldog. Examples of dogs which might be affected would be Great Danes, Wolfhounds, German shepherds, Boxers, Standard Poodles, and more. This condition starts as a bloat where no doubt due to an abnormal fermentation condition in the stomach an excess of gas is produced and the stomach starts to swell, normally in a round chested dog belching and perhaps vomiting will relieve the situation and that is the end of the story. However in a breed of dog with a tear drop shaped profile the stomach will not only expand but will turn round on its axis and as further expansion of the stomach occurs it becomes trapped in the tear drop shape of the dog's chest. As the input pipe and the output pipe are blocked due to the twisting effect the stomach is then sealed and the further expansion will occur as the abnormal fermentation process is still present. Unless something is done quickly death will rapidly follow as the stomach swells to a very large size.

Symptoms: What you might expect to see is swelling of the dogs stomach area, attempting to vomit perhaps with some froth being produced, drooling of saliva, signs of pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Where the swelling is large the dog may be unable to sit.

Treatment : If the animal is got to the vet quickly and the condition is not too advanced it may be possible to pass a stomach tube orally, if successful this will release the gas in the stomach and it could be that the stomach would then turn on its axis to its proper position and that would be the end of the story. Often however this is not going to work and you then have to carry out emergency surgery, there are a number of ways that surgery can be carried out and your vet will use his own judgment which technique to use. Some vets stabilise these animals on fluids, use a large needle to deflate the stomach and then some hours later open the dog up and correct the situation. Other vets go in a once put the dog on a drip as they go along and correct the situation at once. When the stomach has been put in its rightful position it is possible to fix it to the body wall to try and stop the condition happening again in the future. I must have done a good few twisted stomach operations in my life as for many years I did my own out of hours emergency cover, I would say that the Death Rate was about one third of cases presented to me, the longer the delay in bringing the animal to the vet the higher the death rate will be.

Prevention : It may be that this condition is impossible to prevent but it would be logical to try and reduce the possibility of abnormal fermentation occurring in the stomach. Feed a number of smaller meals in the day as opposed to one large meal in the evening, avoid foods which are high in cereals which may ferment easily, do not feed the dog after exercise but wait a couple of hours. It would also be a good idea to introduce any new diet gradually say over four of five days.

Twisted stomach in the dog is perhaps the young vet's worst nightmare, however if they keep a cool head it can be fairly easily treated. From the owner's point of view this is one condition where you should seek immediate veterinary help if you have the slightest suspicion that your dog is affected. Get your dog to the vet at once no matter what time of night it might be, do not tolerate any delays, tell your vet you are driving to his clinic at once.

In the following article it says that German Shepherd's are prone to getting this:

The cause of this disease is in some way related to the shape of the dog's chest, it tends to affect dogs whose chest has a tear-drop profile instead of a round profile like that of a Bulldog. Examples of dogs which might be affected would be Great Danes, Wolfhounds, German shepherds, Boxers, Standard Poodles, and more. This condition starts as a bloat where no doubt due to an abnormal fermentation condition in the stomach an excess of gas is produced and the stomach starts to swell, normally in a round chested dog belching and perhaps vomiting will relieve the situation and that is the end of the story. However in a breed of dog with a tear drop shaped profile the stomach will not only expand but will turn round on its axis and as further expansion of the stomach occurs it becomes trapped in the tear drop shape of the dog's chest. As the input pipe and the output pipe are blocked due to the twisting effect the stomach is then sealed and the further expansion will occur as the abnormal fermentation process is still present. Unless something is done quickly death will rapidly follow as the stomach swells to a very large size.

Symptoms: What you might expect to see is swelling of the dogs stomach area, attempting to vomit perhaps with some froth being produced, drooling of saliva, signs of pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Where the swelling is large the dog may be unable to sit.

Treatment: If the animal is got to the vet quickly and the condition is not too advanced it may be possible to pass a stomach tube orally, if successful this will release the gas in the stomach and it could be that the stomach would then turn on its axis to its proper position and that would be the end of the story. Often however this is not going to work and you then have to carry out emergency surgery, there are a number of ways that surgery can be carried out and your vet will use his own judgment which technique to use. Some vets stabilise these animals on fluids, use a large needle to deflate the stomach and then some hours later open the dog up and correct the situation. Other vets go in a once put the dog on a drip as they go along and correct the situation at once. When the stomach has been put in its rightful position it is possible to fix it to the body wall to try and stop the condition happening again in the future. I must have done a good few twisted stomach operations in my life as for many years I did my own out of hours emergency cover, I would say that the death rate was about one third of cases presented to me, the longer the delay in bringing the animal to the vet the higher the death rate will be.

Prevention: It may be that this condition is impossible to prevent but it would be logical to try and reduce the possibility of abnormal fermentation occurring in the stomach. Feed a number of smaller meals in the day as opposed to one large meal in the evening, avoid foods which are high in cereals which may ferment easily, do not feed the dog after exercise but wait a couple of hours. It would also be a good idea to introduce any new diet gradually say over four of five days.

Twisted stomach in the dog is perhaps the young vet's worst nightmare, however if they keep a cool head it can be fairly easily treated. From the owner's point of view this is one condition where you should seek immediate veterinary help if you have the slightest suspicion that your dog is affected. Get your dog to the vet at once no matter what time of night it might be, do not tolerate any delays, tell your vet you are driving to his clinic at once.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

There is no single easy answer. You can't generally tell unless you are a vet. Even then it may not be easy. There are different forms. If the dog looks uncomfortable or vomits, or has difficulty breathing, or shows any sudden asymmetry in the abdomen, better see the vet at once and get advice on what to watch out for in this particular dog. If it really is torsion (twisting), the dog may die very suddenly. It is not a bad idea to ask the vet at checkup time before there is any question of trouble. S/he might say "forget it in this dog", or "get the animal to me fast!"

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

At home, there is absolutely nothing you can do for a dog with a twisted stomach. This condition, sometimes called bloat is fatal without veterinary intervention.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Bloat or Torsion. In any case they must get to the Vet fast or will die

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How to know if your dogs stomach is twisted?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is twisted stomach disease in dogs that eat to fast?

This is sometimes referred to as "bloat", though the more appropriate term for a twisted stomach is gastric volvulus. This can sometimes occur, especially in dogs with deep chests, even without eating too fast. In either case, a twisted, bloated stomach is a life-threatening emergency and treatment should be immediate.


How does Marley die in the book?

I do know he dies in the movie of a twisted stomach, but in the book I'm not sure


What animal has taste buds in its stomach?

I didn't know this before but dogs have taste buds in their stomach!


What are the symptoms of twisted gut in sheep?

I have never heard of a twisted gut, but I have heard of a twisted stomach. A twisted stomach occurs because of dietary problems.


What are the symptoms of a tear in a dogs stomach?

a tear in a dogs stomach


Your dog has a swollen stomach but is spayed what you wrong?

There are many reasons why your dog could have stomach swelling. Your dog could have a twisted stomach for example.


What is a twisted stomach in cows?

Cows have 4 stomachs. It's the abomasum, near the bottom of the cow and is the true stomach. It can become filled with gas and floats up causing the digestive mechanisms to quit working properly. This condition is called a "twisted stomach".


Do dogs eat grass when they have a stomach ache?

Yes. I usually catch my dog eating it, that's when i know shes sick.


Twisted gut in dogs?

Twisted gut in dogs, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or bloat, is a life-threatening condition where a dog's stomach becomes distended and can rotate, cutting off blood supply. Symptoms include restlessness, unproductive vomiting, bloated abdomen, and difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent severe complications and save the dog's life.


Why are there Visible twisted veins on my stomach?

You should get your liver checked and drink less!


Why do dogs lick glass?

their stomach may be upset. I know cats do that to get up whatever is hurting their stomach, but they usually eat it. You may want to check if your dog is eating it or just licking it.


What can growl besides a stomach?

dogs?