How to Know if my Dog Has Gastric Torsion

How to Know if my Dog Has Gastric Torsion

All dogs are candidates to suffer dilatation or gastric torsion. However, owners of large breeds have the greatest fear of this extremely serious disease, which, if severe, can be life threatening to your best friend. That is why in OneHowTo we explain how to know if your dog has gastric torsion.

Steps to follow:
1

All dogs can be victims of the terrible and dangerous twisting of the stomach, a gastric dilation which can put an end to the lives of our pet. However, this terrible condition affects large dog breeds and giant breed most. The reason is simple, as their chest and abdominal cavity are larger, the stomach has more space for suspension, to the point that it may end up twisting itself.

2

If you suspect your dog has gastric torsion, it is vital to take immediate action, with the assistance of a veterinarian as soon as possible. A few minutes can save our dog's life, literally. However, what is best is to know what causes gastric torsion and how we can detect some symptoms that will enable us to act and to help our pet.

3

Gastric torsion is in reality a swelling or dilation of the animal's stomach and a subsequent twisting of the stomach.

The causes of gastric torsion are unknown and are thought to be genetic. Gastric torsion is likely to occur after a dog eats a lot very quickly, or when there is a high level of physical activity immediately after eating.

4

Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs include anxiety, pain, depression, excessive drooling and vomiting to the point of gagging without anything coming out. The stomach area may appear distended and is be painful to the touch.

5

The first detectable symptoms relate to the animal's activity. You will notice that it appears restless, constantly gets up and lies down again, changing position a lot. We will notice that it is in a state of anxiety and panting a lot, without an apparent reason for this.

6

Next, you should notice the right side of the animal beginning to swell and even the most delicate touch will make the dog be in pain and arch its back. Our pet will start to pant, as it will feel great difficulty in breathing, and its breathing rate and heart rate will increase.

7

You will know that your animal's state has become critical when it lies down and is unable to get back up. If this is the case, your dog's life is in danger, and a surgical intervention by a veterinarian will most likely be required. You must take your dog to the nearest animal emergency facility for immediate attention. Surgical intervention is the only thing that can save the life of your ill dog.

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