Large breed dogs with a deep chest are particularly prone to life-threatening stomach torsion. The risk can be significantly reduced with a few precautionary measures.
As hunters and pack animals, dogs have a very adaptable stomach: their relatives, the wolves, often have to fast for a long time after a successful kill. The stomach can therefore digest the largest possible amount of food when it is available. Our dogs have also retained the ability to eat excessively. It is important that they have a rest and the opportunity for undisturbed digestion after eating.
If this is not the case and the dog instead plays after an extensive meal, a lot of gas is produced in the stomach. Normally, the air escapes via the esophagus and intestines. However, if the dog moves unfavorably or bloats too quickly, the outlets of the bloated stomach close and the dreaded stomach torsion occurs. This causes important blood vessels inside the stomach to be cut off, resulting in circulatory shock and death within a few hours.
Affected dogs show clear discomfort and restlessness. They pant, salivate and try unsuccessfully to vomit. A typical symptom is a marked increase in the size of the abdomen directly behind the costal arch. Finally, there are clear circulatory symptoms with pale mucous membranes, staggering and unconsciousness. In suspected cases, you should lose no time at all, contact a vet immediately and transport the dog to the surgery.
As a preventative measure, you should always give your dog a rest after feeding. Larger amounts of food should not be given all at once, but spread over several meals.