Acute gastric enlargement and gastric inversion in dogs

What is acute gastric dilation and gastric inversion? Acute gastric dilation (ARF) is a condition in which a dog's stomach fills with gases, food, or liquid, significantly increasing in volume. This can happen for various reasons, including rapid ingestion of air while eating or drinking, overeating, eating fermented foods, or impaired gastric motility. Gastric inversion is a more serious and dangerous complication of acute respiratory viral infections. During inversion, the stomach not only expands, but also twists around its axis. This leads to compression of the esophagus and duodenum, blocking the escape of food and gases. Blood stops flowing to the walls of the stomach, causing necrosis (tissue death), and blood circulation in other organs of the abdominal cavity may be disrupted. Why is it so dangerous? Gastric inversion is an absolute veterinary emergency. Without immediate surgical intervention, the dog's chances of survival decrease dramatically by the minute. The consequences of inversion can be catastrophic: Necrosis of the stomach walls: Lack of blood supply leads to tissue death, which may require removal of part of the stomach. Rupture of the stomach: Severe stretching and necrosis can lead to rupture of the stomach, which is almost always fatal. Shock: Circulatory disorders and severe pain cause shock. Cardiac arrhythmia: Due to pressure on the diaphragm and circulatory disorders, arrhythmias may occur. Damage to other organs: Torsion can compress and damage other organs of the abdominal cavity. Which dogs are at risk?

Although acute respiratory viral infections can occur in any dog, some breeds and factors increase the risk: Large and giant breeds with deep chests: German Shepherds, Great Danes, St. Bernards, greyhounds, setters, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and others. Their anatomy makes the stomach more prone to displacement. Older dogs: Gastrointestinal motility may slow down with age. Dogs with increased anxiety or stress: Stress can affect the motility of the stomach. Dogs that eat or drink very quickly: Swallowing large amounts of air. Dogs who eat one large meal a day: It is better to divide the diet into several small portions. Dogs who exercise intensively or play immediately after eating: Physical activity can contribute to stomach displacement. Heredity: If the dog's relatives have had cases of acute respiratory viral infections, the risk increases. Symptoms of acute gastric enlargement and gastric inversion: It is important to know these symptoms and act immediately if you notice them.: Early signs (ARI): Restlessness, agitation, attempts to get up and lie down, whining. Frequent, unsuccessful attempts at vomiting: The dog tries to vomit, but nothing comes out, or only foam comes out. Increase in abdominal volume: The abdomen becomes hard and tense, like a drum. Rapid breathing, shortness of breath. Drooling. Signs of progression (ZH): A sharp deterioration in the condition. Weakness, apathy, the dog may lie down and refuse to move. Pale or bluish gums: A sign of shock and circulatory disorders