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FACT SHEET Dilatation-torsion of the stomach in dogs
Health info sheet

Dilatation-torsion of the stomach in dogs

What is stomach dilation-torsion in dogs?

the syndrome stomach torsion dilation (SDTE) is a condition that begins with the distention of the stomach by food, liquids such as drinking water, or by air due to gasping. The stomach then dilated can then turn on itself (generally clockwise). The entry and exit passages of the stomach are occluded and blocked and food, liquids and air cannot come out.
Unproductive vomiting efforts ensue.
Due to distention and twisting of the stomach, the blood supply may be blocked and part or all of the stomach wall may necrotize. The risk of necrosis of the stomach is all the greater as the delay before treatment is long.
Another consequence is the occlusion of the vena cava which brings back the blood from the whole back of the body and leads to a State of shock of the animal.
What are the warning signs of stomach dilatation-torsion in dogs?

Many breeds of large and very large dogs are predisposed to this condition: German Shepherd, Boxer, Great Dane, Labrador retriever, Saint Bernard, Irish Setter…
For example, more than 30% of Great Danes have an episode of stomach dilation-torsion during their lifetime. Both males and females are affected equally. The clinical signs are signs ofhustle and D'anxiety of the animal, of vomiting effort, a abdominal distention, a very high heart rate and a very weak pulse. Animals in SDTE are usually very weak and require immediate aggressive treatment.
What is the treatment for stomach dilation-torsion in dogs?

The treatment of animals SDTE requires support in emergency. Venous lines are put in place, infusions and drugs are administered to try to counter the state of shock. Stomach decompression procedures are implemented in parallel and in an emergency. An anesthetic is administered and a tube is passed into the stomach via the esophagus in order to empty the stomach as much as possible and flush it out. When its condition allows it, the animal is operated on quickly.
Otherwise the operation is performed a few hours after medical resuscitation in intensive care. During surgery thestomach is repositioned and is anchor on the right side of the abdomen to avoid any recurrence (gastropexy). When too much of the stomach is affected, the prognosis becomes dire and euthanasia of the animal is recommended.
Sometimes the spleen is also twisted and blood clots have developed in its vessels. L'removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is then necessary. Dogs can live normally without a spleen.
The animal may also have heart rhythm disorders. They are present in about 40%. These disorders can be fatal and require special treatment.

What are the risks and possible complications?

Thanks to the use of modern safe anesthetic protocols and monitoring devices (ECG, pulse oximetry, monitoring of blood pressure, etc.), the risk is minimized, but as with any surgery, complications can occur.
Cardiac arrhythmias, on the other hand, are common complications and can occur up to several days after the operation, and can become fatal when their frequencies become too high.
Recurrences of gastric dilatation may occur despite gastropexy, infrequent, they are due to a functional defect of the stomach muscle. Medications can be administered. The clinical appearance is similar to stomach dilatation-torsion syndrome, but the stomach does not twist, making the condition less severe.

The prognosis

During rapid management and combining all the necessary intensive care, 90% of treated and operated dogs survive. If at the time of the intervention a portion of the stomach is necrotic, the chances of survival decrease and are approximately 50%.


How is preventive surgery (gastropexy) performed for stomach dilation-torsion in dogs?

A preventive surgery can be performed to minimize the risk of stomach dilation-torsion in at-risk breeds. Great Danes are the most at risk and a study shows that more than 30% of them dilate at least once during their life.
This surgery can be performed by laparoscopy through two small incisions with the help of a camera. The surgery can be done from the age of 6 months and can be associated with a sterilization(under laparoscopy also in female dogs). It presents few risks, the anesthetic time and the hospitalization are shorter, and the cost less than in the case of gastric dilatation-torsion syndrome.

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