Twisted Gut
There was a note on the message board about a dog who died of "twisted gut". No one seemed to know much about it. Can you enlighten us a bit. Sure, but I hope you never have to experience this awful disease. A "twisted gut" is a disease called Gastric Dilation-Volvulus(GDV) which is overdistension of the stomach (bloat) in combination with a twist of the stomach that closes the inlet and outlet of the stomach. As the bloating continues, the dogs develop profound life-threatening shock which develops into respiratory and cardiac failure and death. It occurs most commonly in large deep-chested dogs like Great Danes, German Shepherd, standard poodles, Dobermans and Irish Setters but has been seen in smaller breeds. There are a number of risk factors for GDV:- Risk increases with age
- breed/conformation as mentioned
- Ingesting a large amount of food or water that overdistends the stomach.
- exercise after overdistension of the stomach may physically displace the stomach
- Type of diet and frequency of feedings have been speculated to be factors but have not been proven.
- Abnormal esophagus or stomach function allowing either an excess accumulation of gas or a delay in emptying the stomach.
Dr. Mike
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