Gastric torsion is a life-threatening emergency: the stomach dilates and twists on its axis, cutting off its blood supply. It mainly affects large and giant, deep-chested breeds. The first warning is marked anxiety and restlessness; then the abdomen swells and sounds hollow, the dog tries to vomit without result and drools. Without immediate treatment, it is fatal.
Key facts:
- What it is: the stomach dilates and twists; abdominal pressure rises and the dog goes into shock.
- First sign: marked anxiety and restlessness. Then: a swollen, hard abdomen, retching without vomiting, drooling.
- It worsens fast: tachycardia, weak pulse, rapid breathing, pale gums.
- At-risk breeds: Boxer, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Setter, Weimaraner, St Bernard, Rottweiler, Bouvier des Flandres, Collie.
- Prevention: bowl on the floor (not raised), several small meals a day, no exercise straight after eating, avoid stress.
- Treatment: stabilisation + emergency surgery. A gastropexy may be done to prevent future torsions.
It is the emergency that kills a large dog fastest. And many owners fail to recognise it in time, because the first sign does not look serious: just a dog that cannot settle.
What is gastric torsion?
It is a condition affecting mainly large dogs: the stomach dilates and then twists around its axis. That sets off a chain of emergencies: pressure inside the abdomen rises, the cardiovascular system is damaged, and the passage of nutrients from the arteries to the tissues falls. That last point is especially dangerous: the lack of nutrients damages cells and can cause the collapse of organs.
What is happening to my dog?
The dilated stomach presses on the diaphragm and other internal organs, causing circulatory and respiratory problems: the dog breathes with difficulty and its heart struggles to pump oxygenated blood. It will rapidly go into shock. Because the stomach is twisted, blood cannot reach it — and often cannot reach the spleen either — so both organs begin to die.
What are the warning signs?
Torsion generally happens quickly. At first, the dog shows through its behaviour that its stomach hurts: it is anxious and restless (marked anxiety and restlessness are among the first warning signs), its abdomen is swollen and painful, it drools and it tries to vomit but nothing comes up.
As it worsens: the heartbeat speeds up (tachycardia), the pulse weakens, breathing becomes rapid (dyspnoea), the abdomen expands and the mucous membranes turn pale. If the abdomen feels hard or sounds hollow (like a drum) when tapped gently, take the dog to the vet immediately — otherwise it may die.
Which breeds are affected?
Any dog can suffer it, but it is far commoner in large and giant breeds, and the likelihood rises with age: Boxer, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Weimaraner, St Bernard, Rottweiler, Bouvier des Flandres and Collie. It is quite rare in cats.
What are the causes?
They are poorly understood. It is thought that if there is enough space in the abdomen for the gas-filled organs to move, they occasionally will — which is why it is commoner in deep-chested dogs. Recognised risk factors include eating from a raised bowl, having a single daily meal, eating very fast, intense exercise straight after eating, stress, and a family history of torsion.
How is it prevented?
- Do not place the bowl at a raised height.
- Do not let it run or play intensely straight after eating.
- Give it several small portions rather than one or two large meals a day.
- Make sure it drinks enough water daily.
- Avoid foods known to cause flatulence (soya, peas).
- Make any change of diet gradual.
- Avoid stressful situations: they make the dog swallow more air.
What is the treatment?
It is an emergency: the patient must be hospitalised and treated immediately. The vet will stabilise it first and then perform surgery to return the stomach to its correct position. That done, the vet may recommend a gastropexy: fixing the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future torsions. Other organs must also be checked for damage. After surgery, activity must be restricted for at least two weeks.
If you want the figures, we have a breakdown of the cost of operating on gastric torsion in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog has gastric torsion?
Marked anxiety and restlessness, a swollen, hard abdomen that sounds hollow, retching without vomiting and drooling. It is an emergency: go at once.
Which breeds are most at risk?
Large and giant deep-chested breeds: Great Dane, German Shepherd, Boxer, Setter, Weimaraner, St Bernard, Rottweiler.
How can I prevent it?
Bowl on the floor, several small meals a day, no intense exercise after eating, gradual diet changes and avoiding stress.
What is a gastropexy?
Surgery that fixes the stomach to the abdominal wall so it cannot twist again. It is usually done after resolving the torsion.
A gastric torsion means emergency care, surgery and hospitalisation — one of the highest bills in veterinary medicine. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
