Twisted Intestine in Dogs (Volvulus)
- Synonyms: Intestinal Torsion
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Emergency see a veterinarian immediately
An interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/
Definition
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 as quickly as possible.
The most important facts at a glance
Volvulus, also known as intestinal torsion, often occurs in conjunction with gastric torsion, where a dog’s stomach twists and bloats. This condition frequently affects large, deep-chested breeds like 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 twist. Symptoms include Abdominal pain, Flatulence, and a disturbed general condition. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and imaging procedures such as X-ray images, which can show a characteristic “double gas 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 twists. The prognosis depends heavily on how quickly diagnosis and treatment are provided; rapid intervention significantly improves survival chances. 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 particularly 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 rotate more easily. Genetically, certain dog breeds might 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 potential risk factors.
The exact cause of a volvulus can vary, but it is believed that excessive gas accumulation in the stomach—caused by gas-producing bacteria or by swallowing air—plays a crucial role. This gas buildup can cause the stomach to expand, increasing the risk of twisting.
Symptoms
The Symptoms of a volvulus in dogs can appear suddenly and worsen quickly. One of the first signs is usually a bloated abdomen. This can 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 show Respiratory distress, an accelerated heart rate, and weakness, which can rapidly progress to a state of shock. If the blood supply to the stomach or intestine is interrupted, this can lead to necrosis (tissue death), which can make the situation life-threatening. In severe cases, the dog can die within a few hours if immediate medical treatment is not provided.
Therapy
Treating a volvulus usually requires immediate surgical intervention. Before surgery, the dog’s condition is stabilized, which includes administering intravenous fluids to support circulation as well as pain therapy. The dog is also relieved with a stomach tube to drain gas and fluid 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, in which the stomach is surgically attached to the abdominal wall, is often performed to prevent future twists.
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 higher chance of survival. However, if significant tissue necrosis has occurred or the dog has suffered severe shock, the prognosis may be worse.
In the long term, dogs recovering from surgery have a real chance of living a normal life, especially if preventive measures are taken to reduce the risk of another twist. A gastropexy significantly reduces the risk of 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 with a genetic predisposition or those that have already suffered gastric torsion, 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 for monitoring the animal’s health.
Outlook on current research
Research into twisted intestine (volvulus) in dogs has made significant progress in recent years, as the condition plays an important role in veterinary research due to its severity and potential life-threatening nature. Scientists are focusing on identifying genetic predisposition, as certain breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Irish Setters are more commonly affected. Using genome analyses, researchers are trying to identify genetic markers associated with an increased risk of this condition.
Research is also examining the role of diet and feeding behavior in the development of the disease. There is evidence that large meals high in fermentable carbohydrates can increase the risk of gastric torsion. Some studies focus on how smaller, more frequent meals could reduce the risk. Furthermore, the importance of food composition and feeding height is being investigated to develop sound recommendations for dog owners.
Another important area of research is improving surgical techniques to treat the condition. New minimally invasive procedures and improved surgical techniques are being tested to increase survival rates and shorten recovery time. postoperative care protocols are also being continuously refined to minimize complications and support recovery.
The role of stress and other environmental factors is also being intensively researched, as stress is considered a potential trigger for the condition. Behavioral researchers are working to understand the links between stress, anxiety, and volvulus in order to develop preventive measures. Some studies are investigating the use of stress management techniques and their impact on disease risk.
Innovations in imaging technology, such as the use of high-resolution ultrasound devices and magnetic resonance imaging, enable more precise diagnosis and better monitoring of at-risk dogs. These advances help improve 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 evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies and develop public health recommendations aimed at reducing the incidence of intestinal torsion.
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 / gut microbiota could influence the risk of gastric torsion. By analyzing microbial composition, scientists are trying to develop new approaches to prevention and treatment of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a volvulus in dogs?
2. What symptoms indicate a volvulus?
3. Which dogs are most commonly affected by volvulus?
4. How is a volvulus diagnosed?
5. How is a volvulus treated?
6. Can a volvulus be prevented?
7. What is the survival rate after volvulus surgery?
8. Are there any long-term effects after a volvulus?
9. How can I best help my dog after a volvulus?
10. Should I see my veterinarian regularly if my dog is at risk?
Literature
- Junius, G., Appeldoorn, A. M., & Schrauwen, E. (2004). Mesenteric volvulus in the dog: A retrospective study of 12 cases. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 45(2), 104–107. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00211.x
- Andrews, S. J., Thomas, T. M., Hauptman, J. G., & Stanley, B. J. (2018). Investigation of potential risk factors for mesenteric volvulus in military working dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253(7), 877–885. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.7.877
- Fruehwald, C. M., Spector, D. I., & Daniel, T. E. (2024). Association of mesenteric volvulus in police working dogs with and without a prior prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(6), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.11.0620
- Park, C. S., Lugardo, J. E., Mans, C. E., & Zuendt, G. F. (2025). Colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs is associated with a low mortality rate and good long-term outcome. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 263(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.07.0457
- Spevakow, A. B., Nibblett, B. M. D., Carr, A. P., & Linn, K. A. (2010). Chronic mesenteric volvulus in a dog. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 51(1), 85–88.
- Chow, K. E., Stent, A. W., & Milne, M. (2014). Imaging diagnosis—Use of multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography for diagnosis of mesenteric volvulus in a dog. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 55(1), 74–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12053