Gastric torsion is the nightmare of all dog owners. According to statistics, in three out of five cases gastric torsion happens at night. This is a very serious illness with a mortality rate of 30-40 percent. In order to prevent gastric torsion, it's important to understand how it happens and avoid these situations.
"Unfortunately, a dog's anatomy facilitates the occurrence of gastric torsion. Unlike other animal species, the stomach oesophagus-duodenum axis in dogs is transverse, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. This makes it easy for a full stomach to turn around its axis with movement," says animal nutritionist Martin Kváš, explaining that it is a mechanical disease. Because of how a dog's body is built, the stomach can turn without a major external cause. Nevertheless, we most often see gastric torsion in large, long-necked dog breeds. However, this does not mean that owners of small dogs should not watch out for gastric torsion.
It most often occurs in the evening and at night. It may also happen when dogs eat too fast, swallowing air along with their food. "Dogs should lie down and sleep for at least half an hour after eating. Large dog breeds should also rest before meals. This way the dog will eat with a relaxed body. This is a very good tool in preventing gastric torsion," says Martin. So it's not just about how fast the dog eats, it also depends on the state the dog is in.
There are also many myths surrounding gastric torsion. Until relatively recently, elevated bowls were a big hit for large and giant breeds. The main idea was that the dog won't have to bend down as much, and this will in turn prevent the risk of gastric torsion. Unfortunately, the latest findings of experts and veterinarians have pointed out that the opposite is true - food consumed from a taller bowl can contribute to gastric torsion. Another myth is the need to soak the kibble so that it doesn't swell in the dog's stomach after consumption. "Quality, extruded granules do not swell in water, their volume doesn't change, so it's unnecessary to soak them," says Martin.
If your dog drinks a lot of water, just as when he eats too much, it can cause his stomach to twist even at rest without much movement. It's recommended to keep an eye on dogs that are prone to gastric torsion and not let them eat the whole bowl at once. If their stomach is very full, this may release gas that causes it to twist. Gas may also be released after the stomach becomes twisted. "The torsion constricts both ends of the stomach, stopping the blood flow through the tissues, and stopping the food from moving into the duodenum. The food starts to ferment very quickly in the stomach and the stomach swells, which may result in death," says expert Martin, explaining what happens during gastric torsion.
Martin further adds that a typical symptom is a bloated abdomen, salivation and vomiting. He also says the only solution to gastric torsion is treatment by a veterinarian. "If you suspect gastric torsion, you should immediately visit a veterinary clinic without delay," he concludes.
Although we take care of our pets with love and as best we can, there may be times when we will need tens of thousands of crowns to treat our dog or cat. And insurance - as with people - can be the solution.
If you want to give a dog more than just a yummy treat, reward or praise, but you would like the treat to contribute to your dog's health, it's time to look for functional treats. They are actually food supplements and a treat in one, as their...
Our cat companions do not exactly love water. However, it might sometimes be inevitable. In such a case, it is better to get prepared for it in advance so all of you can survive unharmed.
Dogs poke their curious nose everywhere, so they (and not only they) may easily get stung by a bee or wasp in summer. What should you do if this happens?
I often hear that potatoes are toxic to dogs. But then how is it possible, that they are often a part of high-quality dog food? Are they harmful, suitable or even beneficial for dogs?
Every rodent is not the same, each rodent species needs something different for good digestion and health. Therefore, the food is marked accordingly, this is not only a marketing stunt.
The Bengal cat breed was created relatively recently by crossing domestic and wild cats. Thanks to this combination, it resembles a cat from prehistoric times, which is mostly due to its spotted fur.
Some of us go out to sea during the holidays, and the question arises whether to take our dog with us or leave it at home. One aspect in deciding may be the question of whether the sea is okay for dogs. Will the salt damage your dog's coat, or is...
These brothers of the Bichon are great companions for everyone. They are easy to handle even by someone who has no experience with dogs. They have a great personality, they require almost no care, they are easy to train and have good health. All they...
Today there is a healthy diet trend, even in the pet world. Pet owners are more interested in what they give their pets, which is definitely good. But what mistakes do we often make?
The days are getting shorter, the temperature decreases, the autumn has really come. If your cat doesn’t live inside a flat exclusively, it is the best time to prepare it for the unfavourable season so it’s not so hard for its immune system.
Summer is here, and with it the holiday season. If you take your dog on a trip, you shouldn't forget to pack a few necessary items. I will try to summarize some practical tips and things that you shouldn't forget to pack for your friend.
