Prevent Gastric Torsion or Bloat in German Shepherds

Gastric torsion, or GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus), commonly known as bloat, is a very dangerous condition in large breed canines that are already in their mature years. Although it isn't an everyday case for veterinarians, the moment a vet does encounter a patient with this condition, they are desperate to save the dog. Gastric Dilatation is the stretching or enlargement of the gastric or stomach region, while Torsion, or Volvulus, is the twisting of the stomach along a longer axis. Essentially, the dog's stomach flips on itself. The fermented gases and trapped air in the stomach expands the organ. The gas cannot exit the body through the large intestine or through the esophagus. There have been cases when large dogs don't actually have any gastric twisting. The stomach presses on the dog's diaphragm, preventing normal respiration, making the task of releasing the trapped air from the digestive tract extremely difficult.

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If you have a large breed of dog such as a German Shepherd, you should know all about Gastric Torsion or Bloat, be able to recognize when your dog is suffering from it, and most importantly, how to prevent it. You want to do everything you can to help your cherished pet live a longer, healthier life.

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GDV or bloat is classified as a chronic condition in German Shepherds. Because it is chronic, many vets do not see it as a critical situation, however, weight loss, abdominal pain, chronic vomiting, and inactivity are evident in dogs suffering from this condition. If the dog is not treated, the case becomes severe, and can lead to the stomach rupturing. The dog eventually goes into shock and dies. In the past 30 years, cases of bloat in large breed dogs such as the German Shepherds, have escalated. GDV slowly develops, resulting in chronic indigestion and abnormal positioning of the stomach.

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Unfortunately, GDV is more common in barrel-chested, large breed, deep-chested dogs, but it can also occur in any breed of dog. The breeds that commonly experience bloat are:

Weimaraners
Setters
Great Danes
Borzois
Greyhounds
Afghan Hounds
German Shepherds

Male dogs are just as susceptible to bloat as the females. German Shepherds have a moderate risk of contracting GDV, while Great Danes and Bloodhounds are at a much higher risk. The age or the sex of a German Shepherd does not influence the occurrence of bloat in the breed. It can happen right after a large meal and sadly, there is no test for susceptibility for GDV or bloat.

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There is more conjecture to the causes of GDV, then actual facts. Vets know it usually occurs in large, deep-chested breeds. Studies show that older dogs and large dogs that do not get enough exercise are prone to bloat. Dogs are also prone to GDV if they are only fed dry dog food, rather than homemade dog food, or moist canned dog food. Bloat is more common in dogs whose siblings or parents had it. Dog food that contains high levels of fat is also connected to this condition.

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There are breeders who believe that exercising the dogs right after feeding them is another cause of GDV. Others think it's more to do with eating too much in one meal. This is supported by the theory that dry dog food expands rapidly when the dog drinks a lot of water right after eating. Then, when the dog is exercised after the meal, the stomach flips over or twists. Abnormal contractions along the walls of the stomach are also associated with bloat. Here, the distinctive kink in the stomach opening prevents the dog from expelling the previously swallowed air. Because the dog has abnormal circulation and motility, the stomach becomes very acidic. This condition is called metabolic acidosis. Another possible cause of bloat is the position of the feeding and drinking bowls. Dogs that have elevated bowls are more prone to GDV than dogs that have their feeding and drinking bowls on the floor.

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The following are warning signs of GDV or bloat in German Shepherds:

1
Anxiety.

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2
Disinterest in the usual daily routines.

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3
Restlessness.
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4
Panting.

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5
Abnormal fullness.
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6
Licking of the abdomen.

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7
Wider stance.
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8
Salivation.

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9
Drooling.
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10
Failure to retch and vomit
.
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11
Abdominal pain.
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12
Breathlessness or difficulty in breathing.
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13
Distended or large abdomen
.
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14
Generalized weakness.
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15
Cautious movement.
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16
Low body temperature.
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17
Rapid heartbeat.
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18
Collapse.
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19
Pale gums.
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These signs usually occur one or two hours after a large meal. It is best to consider GDV as an emergency case. You should take your German Shepherd to your vet immediately. If you've just moved to a new area, you need to think ahead. Find out where there's a 24-hour animal hospital nearby, have the phone number and address readily available. Bloat must be addressed as soon as possible in order for your dog to survive.

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When your German Shepherd has GDV or bloat, the following happens:

1
The stomach enlarges and presses against the vital organs that surround it
.
This prevents blood from circulating properly in the stomach area.
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2
Toxins are released into the bloodstream
.
This is caused by abnormal gastric circulation.
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3
The problem becomes systemic
.
This is when the entire body of your German Shepherd is affected. The dog's pulse becomes, weak, and rapid. The gums are dry and pale (whitish or blanched), when you press them with your finger. The abdomen becomes drum-like or enlarged.
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4
Splenic congestion occurs
.
This is when the blood does not exit normally from the spleen. This is due to the enlarged stomach. The spleen appears to be enlarged as well.

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5
Progression of the problem results in the following
:
1. Difficulty breathing.
2. Weakened function of the heart due to inadequate blood flow.
3. Hypoxia (low blood oxygenation).
4. Collapse.
5. Shock.
6. Shutdown of other vital organs.
7. Release of more bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream (peritonitis, sepsis).
8. Abnormal heartbeat.
9. Drop in blood pressure.
10. Abnormal clotting (DIC-disseminated intravascular coagulation).
11. Death.
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Diagnosis

If your German Shepherd has bloat, you'll notice the lower left part of the abdomen is enlarged and firm to the touch. The veterinarian often performs the following to test to diagnose your dog's condition

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1
Radiograph or X-ray of the distended stomach
.
This allows the vet to see if the stomach has indeed flipped or twisted into an abnormal position, or if it's just enlarged.
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2
Lab tests
.
Analysis of blood and urine will allow the vet to determine if there's metabolic acidosis, low potassium in the blood (causes abnormal heart rhythm and muscle weakness), or high plasma lactate in the blood. Blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC) will also be performed. Your German Shepherd's urine will also be analyzed. An ECG will determine if arrhythmia or irregularities in the heart exist.
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3
Tests for other diseases
.
Your vet will also perform tests to rule out other diseases such as diaphragmatic hernias, intestinal obstructions, intestinal torsions, hemorrhage, tumors, splenic torsions, and Addison's disease (also called Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs).
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Treatment

The veterinarian will perform the following steps to treat a German Shepherd with GDV or bloat:

1
Stabilize the circulation
.
This is the first thing the vet does once your dog enters the clinic or hospital. This will allow emergency surgical procedures to be performed. This is done through intravenous fluids.
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2
IV catheters will be placed into your dog's cephalic veins (forelegs), or jugular veins (neck).
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3
Antibiotics will be administered through the IV.
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4
Corticosteroids will be administered to counter shock.

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5
Periodic drawing of blood will be done to measure acidity, gas components, and electrolytes
.
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6
Weight and the rate of urine flow will be monitored.

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7
Oxygen therapy will be administered.
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8
Gas is removed from the stomach
.
Vets use a tube through the mouth, reaching the stomach. Water is then flushed back and forth to remove food. Simethicone is added to the water to reduce frothing and the formation of air pockets. If the kink in the stomach prevents the tube from passing through, a trochar will be inserted through the side of the dog's abdomen.

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9
Antibiotics will be given in high doses because there is a the possibility your dog's fertility will be compromised when releasing the pressure in your dog's stomach
.
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10
Gastropexy will be performed
.
Once your dog is stabilized, the stomach will be anchored surgically to its normal position. If the case is advanced, the dead stomach tissue will have to be removed. Perhaps, even the dog's spleen may need to be removed.
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The successful recovery of your German Shepherd depends on how soon the condition is detected and treated. It also depends on how other underlying ailments have aggravated the condition. The survival of your dog depends on the aggressive attempts to stabilize the cardiovascular system before the corrective surgery. If the dog has arrhythmias and irreversible damage to its stomach, the possibility of death is greater.

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After your dog has undergone corrective surgery, the following should be provided during post-op care:

1
A stay at the animal hospital.
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2
Eating will be prohibited for a number of days.
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3
IV therapy will be the only source of nutrients.
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4
Monitoring of blood oxygenation, heart rate, blood pressure, and kidney function.

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5
Administering pain medications and motility medications for the GI tract.
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6
Once released, provide only a bland diet at home
.

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7
Provide small, frequent feedings throughout the day
.
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8
Check sutures to make sure they are still holding.

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9
Provide small, frequent drinks of water throughout the day.
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10
Taking the dog's temperature rectally, to make sure there are no post surgical infections.
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Below are some suggestions to prevent your German Shepherd from getting bloat:

1
Give your dog three small meals throughout the day
.
This is so much healthier than providing one large meal a day.
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2
Supply fresh water
.
Your dog needs access to fresh water all the time. This will prevent your German Shepherd's stomach from developing air pockets.
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3
Encourage regular exercise
.
This will stimulate normal gut and stomach activity.
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4
Train your German Shepherd to eat slowly
.
This can be accomplished by purchasing "slow feeder dog bowls", specifically designed to prevent your dog from eating too fast. There are many benefits to teaching your German Shepherd to eat slowly, which include:
1. Nutrients are absorbed more efficiently.
2. Improved digestion.
3. The risk of obesity is reduced.
4. Your dog feels satisfied sooner.
5. Vomiting will be reduced.
6. Formation of gas is reduced.
7. GDV is reduced.
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5
Incorporate canned food into your German Shepherd's diet.
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6
Do not elevated your dog's feeding bowls.

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7
Do not exercise your dog right before or after meals
.
If you have to exercise after a meal, wait an hour before doing so.
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8
Do not let your dog roll over
.
This increases the possibility of stomach twisting.

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9
Reduce stress
.
Some of the following will reduce stress in your dog:
1. Do not over-vaccinate at one time.
2. Provide regular exercise.
3. Be careful what you feed your dog. Check for chemicals and preservatives.
4. Show your dog a lot of love.
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus is a very serious condition. Preventing your German Shepherd from getting it in the first place, is so much better for your dog than subjecting your beloved pet to the stress and pain of the condition itself, and the treatment for it...not to mention the vet costs you'll incur.

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Always be careful what and how you feed your German Shepherd.
Take the time to monitor your dog's eating habits.
Prevent your dog from eating too fast by regulating feeding times.
Condition your dog to relax during eating.

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What do you do for a German Shepherd whose stomach is gurgling?

It depends what is causing the gurgling in your German Shepherd's stomach. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior during these gurgling episodes.

Your pet may have excessive gas in the stomach, so it is important to keep a careful watch, since German Shepherd breeds are prone to bloating. Left undiagnosed and untreated, this can be fatal for your pet.

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Pepto Bismol and other gas relievers may be used to treat the gurgling, if the condition is of minor concern. However, if the pet shows further signs of discomfort, or vomiting, seek professional veterinary help to prevent any further complications.

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If their stomach is gurgling but they don't appear to be in pain, they might just be hungry. Also they could be experiencing some gas that is causing the stomach to make noise. Just make sure they have food and water available. Keep and eye on them. If they begin to act weird or appear to be in pain, contact a local vet's office.

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Canine surgery on a German Shepherd for Gastric Torsion.

Is it expensive? Will my dog die without it?

Yes, it is expensive but usually it depends on where the surgery is, the amount of damage and the amount of time spent in the animal hospital. In the USA, it can cost between $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 for the surgery and post-op care. Yes, your dog will die if not treated (with surgery) as soon as possible because gastric torsion is life- threatening.

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German shepherd dog 8 years old with Torsion.

My dog has just undergone surgery for gastric torsion. The Vet said I should only give the dog a small amount of food the day after. I've just given him a little baked fish. Should I not give him anymore? He also has an illness called pancreatic enzyme deficiency.

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