Gastric Torsion

[franklauzon]

Hey Guys,

The post about Zoies passing got me to thinking...

In giant breeds such as Great Danes, it's pretty well automatic that they will stitch the stomach to the inside of the dog, so that it cannot twist, as these are animals which are prone to it.

You hear a lot of warnings about Torsion, but how common is it really in Labradors, namely American style?

Just wondering if it's something that is common enough, that this should be done regularily?

[waterfowler65]

If you notice,most of all recorded cases are large chested dogs on a kible diet.(the kible causes gas as it digests) and occasionally in eldrly small dogs..

A Gastropexy (surgical attachment of stomach to the body wall) will prevent the Torsion part but will NOT prevent bloat.

I havent found any other littrature for GDV on Labrador Retrievers, only from word of mounth and I have already found 4 cases counting Zoie's. In only 2 days of research.
Here's 1 of them.

Gastric Torsion/Bloat in Dogs
with information taken from Carlson & Giffon

(This article is dedicated to Hershey, a chocolate Labrador who died of Gastric Torsion. If even one person learns about this disorder and takes precautions, his death will not be in vain.)


If you own a deep chested dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Akita or Great Dane you must be made aware of Gastric Torsion or commonly referred to as Bloat.

Bloat is caused by too much gas or fluid in the stomach. This gas can extend the stomach causing gastric dilation. If the stomach partially rotates its called gastric torsion. If it fully rotates its called gastric volvolus. Each can be a life threatening problem.

BLOAT FACTS:


Dogs with bloat nearly always are between four and seven years of age. Two-thirds are males.

It usually affects dogs of the larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, and others of large size (58 pounds was the average size in one study) It rarely occurs in small breeds.

Dogs who bloat tend to eat large quantities of dry kibble.

They exercise vigorously after eating and tend to drink water in large amounts after meals.

They may have a history of digestive upsets (gastritis).

There may be a familial association with other dogs who have bloated.
SIGNS OF GASTRIC DILATION

The signs are excessive salivation and drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defecate, evidence of abdominal pain (the dog whines and groans when you push on the stomach wall) and abdominal distention. Its important to know the history of the dog. Has it eaten recently? Drunk water? Has it been running or exercising within 2-3 hours of eating?

If the dog is able to burp or vomit you can usually rest assured that the gut is not twisted. This can be treated at home. Give Mylanta by mouth. Dosage for a small dog is 6 ounces; Medium dog is 8 ounces; large dog 12 ounces. Make sure you walk the dog after giving the Mylanta until the bloat is relieved or until you can contact a veterinarian. If the bloat is relieved at home, it would still be a good idea to contact your vet to let them know the dog bloated. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. THIS COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH FOR YOUR DOG. Once a dog bloats, it will usually bloat again in the future.

SIGNS OF TORSION OR VOLVULUS

The initial signs are the same for Gastric Dilation except more severe. The distress is more evident. There could be rapid breathing, pale gums and the dog may collapse. The shock like symptoms are due to the strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. Surgery is needed to relieve a torsion or volvulus. The chance of a recurrence is about 15 percent.

PREVENTION

Knowing of this problem is the first part of prevention. Feed several small meals throughout the day (at LEAST 2) instead of one big meal. Keep the dog quiet at LEAST one hour before and at LEAST 2 hours after a meal. This means no roughhousing or playing. If the dog usually gets rambuncious after a meal, crate this animal. Monitor and restrict the water intake of the dog before and especially after a meal. The dog should not drink after eating dry kibble. Therefore, it is best to thoroughly soak the kibble for at least 30 minutes before feeding this to the dog. Try not to feed a kibble which expands greatly when wet. Do the kibble test overnight. Put a cup of kibble in a bowl. Add water and let soak over night. What you see in the morning is the amount of swelling this food will do in your dog's stomach. If its excessive, change to another kibble which doesn't swell as much. Always keep Mylanta on hand.

These measures may prevent some cases of bloat but will not prevent all cases. Being aware might be the difference between life and death for your dog.

OTHER ARTICLES ONLINE:

Bloat First Aid

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/medical-info.01.html#gastric_dilation_and_bloat

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/vad/cae/bnaprwb.htm

http://www.vetinfo.com/dbloat.html#Gastric dilitation/volvulus

http://www.eclipse.net/~bobaloo/bloat.htm

http://www.animalclinic.com/bloat.htm

http://www.vethospital.com/gdv.htm

Dr. Carlson & Dr. Giffin's book "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" is available through Amazon Online. http://www.amazon.com

As a result to what happened to Zoie, I soak Gunner's meals for a half hour prior to him eating. And yes he does eat twice daily. After he eats he then goes in his crate for a minimum of 2 hrs. And absolutly NO WATER in those 2 hrs.

Marc.

[franklauzon]

Thanks for this wealth of information Marc! Much appreciated.