Volvulus (Intestinal Torsion) in Dogs

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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A volvulus, also known as intestinal torsion, is a serious condition in dogs where parts of the intestine twist around themselves, leading to a dangerous blockage. This blockage can interrupt blood supply and result in an emergency that needs to be treated quickly.

The most important facts at a glance

Volvulus, also known as intestinal torsion, often occurs in conjunction with gastric dilatation, where a dog’s stomach twists and bloats. This condition commonly affects large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes and Boxers. The exact cause is not fully understood, but anatomical, genetic, and environmental factors play a role. Excessive gas accumulation in the stomach, caused by gas-producing bacteria or swallowed air, can promote the torsion. Symptoms include abdominal pain, flatulence, and a disturbed general condition. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays, which may show a characteristic “double bubble”.

Treatment usually requires immediate surgical intervention to return the stomach to its normal position and remove damaged tissue. A gastropexy can be performed to prevent future torsions. The prognosis depends heavily on the speed of diagnosis and treatment; rapid intervention significantly improves the chances of survival. Preventive measures include smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding intense activity after feeding. Research focuses on genetic predispositions, dietary habits, and stress as potential risk factors to develop better prevention strategies. Innovative imaging techniques and surgical procedures are also being investigated to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

Volvulus is a condition that usually occurs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the dog’s stomach twists and bloats. This is especially common in large and deep-chested dog breeds such as the Great Dane, German Shepherd, and Boxer. The exact mechanism of why the stomach or intestine twists is not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of anatomical, genetic, and environmental factors plays a role.

Anatomically, large, deep-chested dogs have more space in the abdominal area, which allows the stomach to twist more easily. Genetically, certain lines of dogs may be more susceptible to this condition, although specific genetic markers have not yet been identified. Environmental factors, such as eating large meals followed by intense physical activity, can also increase the risk. Feeding from elevated bowls and stress have also been considered as possible risk factors.

The exact cause for the development of a volvulus can vary, but it is believed that excessive gas accumulation in the stomach, caused by gas-producing bacteria or swallowing air, plays a crucial role. This gas accumulation can cause the stomach to expand, increasing the likelihood of a twist.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of a volvulus in dogs can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly. One of the first signs is usually a bloated abdomen. This may be accompanied by restlessness, excessive drooling, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. The dog may also show signs of pain, such as whimpering or whining when the abdomen is touched.

In addition, affected dogs may exhibit respiratory distress, a rapid heart rate, and weakness, which can quickly develop into a state of shock. If the blood supply to the stomach or intestines is interrupted, this can lead to necrosis (tissue death), which makes the situation life-threatening. In severe cases, the dog can die within a few hours if immediate medical treatment is not provided.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a volvulus is usually made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging procedures. During the physical examination, the veterinarian may notice a bloated abdomen and signs of pain. Abdominal X-rays are often the next step to confirm the diagnosis. On the X-rays, the veterinarian may see a “double bubble”, which is typical of gastric dilatation.

In addition, ultrasound examinations can be performed to assess the location and condition of the stomach and intestines more accurately. Blood tests are often necessary to assess the dog’s general health and to check for signs of sepsis or shock. These tests help to assess the severity of the condition and determine the need for immediate surgical intervention.

Therapy

Treatment of a volvulus typically requires immediate surgical intervention. Before surgery, the dog’s condition is stabilized, which includes administering intravenous fluids to support circulation, as well as pain management. The dog is also decompressed with a stomach tube to drain gas and fluids from the stomach.

During surgery, the veterinarian returns the stomach to its normal position and examines the tissue for signs of damage or tissue death. If parts of the stomach or intestines are necrotic, they may need to be removed to ensure the dog’s survival. A gastropexy, where the stomach is surgically attached to the abdominal wall, is often performed to prevent future twisting.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with a volvulus depends heavily on how quickly the diagnosis is made and treatment is initiated. Dogs that are treated quickly have a significantly better chance of survival. However, if there has been significant tissue necrosis or the dog has suffered severe shock, the prognosis may be worse.

In the long term, dogs that recover from surgery have a good chance of living a normal life, especially if preventive measures are taken to reduce the risk of re-torsion. A gastropexy significantly reduces the risk of a recurrence.

Prevention

There are several measures that dog owners can take to minimize the risk of a volvulus. These include feeding smaller, more frequent meals instead of one or two large meals a day. Avoiding intense physical activity immediately after feeding is also important.

Feeding at ground level instead of from an elevated bowl can also reduce the risk. It is also recommended to consider the type of food and avoid rapidly digestible, easily fermentable carbohydrates, as these can contribute to gas formation in the stomach.

For dogs that have a genetic predisposition or have already suffered a gastric dilatation, a prophylactic gastropexy can be considered to minimize the risk of future incidents. Regular veterinary examinations and careful observation of the dog’s behavior are also crucial to monitor the animal’s health.

Outlook on current research

Research on intestinal torsion (volvulus) in dogs has made significant progress in recent years, as the condition plays an important role in veterinary medical research due to its severity and potential life-threatening nature. Scientists are focusing on identifying genetic predispositions, as certain breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Irish Setters are more frequently affected. Through genome analyses, they are trying to identify genetic markers associated with an increased risk for this condition.

In addition, research is examining the role of diet and feeding behavior in the development of the disease. There is evidence that large meals rich in fermentable carbohydrates can increase the risk of gastric dilatation. Some studies focus on how smaller, more frequent meals could reduce the risk. Furthermore, the importance of feed compositions and feed height is being investigated to develop informed recommendations for dog owners.

Another significant area of research is the improvement of surgical techniques for treating the disease. New minimally invasive procedures and improved surgical techniques are being tested to increase survival rates and shorten recovery time. Postoperative care protocols are also constantly being developed to minimize complications and promote recovery.

The role of stress and other environmental factors is also being intensively researched, as stress is seen as a potential trigger for the disease. Behavioral researchers are working to understand the connection between stress, anxiety, and volvulus in order to develop preventive measures. Some studies are investigating the use of stress management techniques and their effects on the risk of the disease.

Innovations in imaging technology, such as the use of high-resolution ultrasound devices and magnetic resonance imaging, enable more precise diagnoses and better monitoring of at-risk dogs. These advances help to increase the chances of timely and successful treatment.

Long-term epidemiological studies are being conducted to better understand the frequency and risk factors of the disease. These studies help to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies and to develop health policy recommendations aimed at reducing the incidence of intestinal torsions.

Finally, research is also examining the role of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. It is suspected that changes in the intestinal flora could influence the risk of gastric dilatation. By analyzing the microbial composition, scientists are trying to develop new approaches to prevent and treat the disease.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. What is a volvulus in dogs? A volvulus, also known as gastric torsion, is a life-threatening condition in which the dog’s stomach twists and blocks blood flow. This can lead to a rapid deterioration of the health situation and requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.

  2. What symptoms indicate a volvulus? Symptoms include a bloated abdomen, restlessness, excessive salivation, unsuccessful vomiting, weakness, and rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

  3. Which dogs are most often affected by volvulus? Large and deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, and Dobermans are most commonly affected. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the disease.

  4. How is a volvulus diagnosed? A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. The images typically show a severely enlarged, gas-filled stomach.

  5. How is a volvulus treated? Treatment requires emergency surgery to correct the gastric torsion. In many cases, the stomach is also surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent re-torsion. Intensive postoperative care is necessary.

  6. Can a volvulus be prevented? While complete prevention is not possible, certain measures can reduce the risk. These include feeding several small meals per day, avoiding intense activity after eating, and choosing the correct feeding height.

  7. What is the survival rate after a volvulus surgery? The survival rate after surgery is about 75-85%, depending on the severity of the disease and the speed of treatment. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.

  8. Are there long-term consequences after a volvulus? Some dogs may experience digestive problems or an increased susceptibility to recurrent episodes after treatment. Regular veterinary check-ups and an adjusted diet help to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

  9. How can I best help my dog after a volvulus? Monitoring at home is important after surgery. Watch for signs of discomfort, feed easily digestible food in small portions, and avoid stress or physical exertion for a few weeks.

  10. Should I see my veterinarian regularly if my dog is at risk? Yes, regular veterinary examinations are important to monitor your dog’s health and identify potential problems early. This is especially important for dogs at high risk for volvulus.

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You can find an interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/