Gastric Torsion

Dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as gastric dilation, twisted stomach, or gastric torsion, are affected by this medical ailment in which the stomach is stretched too far rotates due to an abundance of gas. When referring to GDV or gas distension without stomach torsion, the term “bloat” is frequently used in a generic sense.

GDV is a serious illness that must be treated right away in canines. It is widespread in some breeds; deep-chested breeds are particularly vulnerable. Even with treatment, dogs experience mortality rates between 10% and 60%.  The mortality rate after surgery ranges from 15 to 33%.

It may be difficult to separate symptoms from other types of distress. A dog may stand uncomfortably and appear in great distress for no apparent reason. Strength, depression, difficulty breathing, hypersalivation, firm abdominal distension, and retching without vomiting are additional potential symptoms (nonproductive vomiting). In one research, 40% of dogs with GDV had cardiac arrhythmias.  Dogs with chronic GDV may exhibit nausea, vomiting, and weight loss symptoms.

Numerous reasons may contribute to gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs, but in each case, a dysfunctional sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach and obstruction of the pyloric outflow must first occur.

Increased age, breed, having a deep and narrow chest, eating foods like kibble that expand in the stomach, overfeeding, drinking too much water quickly before or after exercise, and other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress are some of the more widely acknowledged risk factors for developing GDV. Bloat risk increases in dogs seen by their owners as being scared and decreases in dogs perceived by them as being joyful. This could result from the physiological influences the dog’s personality has on the digestive system’s function and motility.  Alternatively, the circumstances that cause the dogs to display bloat may make them sad or uncomfortable. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may have a higher chance of developing bloat.