Torsion – Dilatation
Daily LifeElderlyEmergenciesFirst AidInstructions for UseLife StagesPuppies & Kittens
)
)
Imagine your dog’s stomach as a flexible bag. GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) is a major veterinary emergency that occurs in two stages:
➤ Dilatation (Bloat): This bag fills with gas/food and swells like a balloon.
➤ Torsion (Volvulus): Becoming unstable, the stomach flips and twists on itself.
The result: both the entrance and exit are blocked. This is an absolute emergency and can be fatal within hours!
)
The risk is very high for large breed dogs with a deep and wide chest.
➤ Great Dane (40% risk)
➤ Saint Bernard
➤ German Shepherd
➤ Greyhound
➤ Weimaraner
➤ Boxer
)
- Physical exertion right after a meal: The stomach acts like a pendulum.
- Eating at lightning speed: A greedy dog swallows a lot of air.
- Drinking a large amount at once: Suddenly weighs down the stomach.
- Stress and excitement: Eating nervously increases the risks.
Recognizing the Emergency
If you observe these signs, rush to an emergency clinic
- Unproductive vomiting attempts (nothing comes up).
- Swollen and hard abdomen (sounds hollow).
- Extreme agitation, drooling, anxiety.
- Weakness, panting, collapse.
- Unusual restlessness, pacing constantly, getting up/lying down, unable to find a comfortable position.
)
❶ Strict REST: No exertion 1 hour before, and especially 2 hours after a meal.
❷ Divide to digest: Split into 2 or 3 smaller meals.
❸ Slow the pace: Equip a greedy dog with accessories to slow their eating.
❸ Unusual restlessness: pacing constantly, getting up/lying down, unable to find a comfortable position
)
)
)
)
)
Need other accessories to slow down meals?
Homemade Alternatives | Free
- Muffin tin: Kibble in an upside-down tin.
- Large ball: A smooth stone or giant ball in the bowl.
- Rolled towel: Meal hidden in a knotted towel.
- Scattering: Throw the meal into clean grass.
