TORSION
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The Weimaraner is a deep-chested dog which makes them a breed which is
high on the list of dogs affected by Bloat and Stomach Torsion. You may never
see this problem in your dog but we want you to be aware of the symptoms and
necessary care.
Bloat/Torsion is a problem that can manifest in all ages of Weimaraners. The
majority of cases are in older dogs whose body functions may have slowed
down. However, it is occasionally seen in younger dogs. Whenever it does
appear, it is to be considered AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Bloat occurs when there is gas production in the stomach and that gas buildup
is unable to be expelled via belching or vomiting or passed through the
intestines. This gas buildup can cause the stomach to rotate or flip and thereby
twists the esophagus and small intestine closed so there is no passage of
stomach contents or gas in or out of the stomach. This rotation or Torsion also
cuts off the blood supply to the stomach. The spleen may also be twisted and
tissue becomes starved for oxygen and dies.
Symptoms of bloat are as follows:
- A “bloated” look to the chest area of the dog.
- The dog is uncomfortable, pacing, gagging, salivating, wining, etc.
- The dog may attempt to vomit or pass stool repeatedly.
- The dog is very restless. Gums may be pale.
The dog should be taken to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY and an x-ray
should be requested to determine the position of the stomach. If the stomach
has not yet twisted, a tube may be able to be inserted into the dog’s stomach to
relieve the gas. If there is a torsion, then immediate surgery is required to
save the dog’s life. During surgery, the vet may tack the stomach to the
abdominal wall to make sure it does not flip again. Discuss this with your vet
before surgery.
Purdue University conducted a study to determine the cause of bloat, but was
unable to come up with a cause or prevention. The following guidelines will
help in preventing bloat/torsion:
Feed twice a day. Use a quality food with a meat base (first ingredient on bag).
We prefer a rice base rather than corn or wheat.
Vigorous exercise should be avoided one hour before and two hours after meals.
Water should be available at all times and should be limited immediately after
feeding, stress, or vigorous exercise, or if your dog appears to over consume.
Animals who stress should be watched carefully while under stressful
conditions when feeding and watering. Try to keep them from becoming
stressful.
Weimaraners, having excellent noses, sometimes get into dog food containers
or trash cans. Watch carefully after these episodes. Chewing up the dog bed
and eating large pieces of fabric or anything that may lodge in the stomach
could cause problems. Rawhide should be avoided for large dogs.
Do not give an old dog a big knuckle bone to chew or a food that they are not
used to that they might have a problem digesting. Dogs should be supervised
when chewing anything to make sure they are not eating large chunks of the
item.
Older dog’s digestion seems to slow down. Do not change their food or exercise
activity drastically.
Northern California