TORSION/BLOAT
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)
There are numerous articles available in the internet regarding torsion/bloat most seem to associate excess food or water combined with too rigorous exercise shortly after as being the recipe for this disaster.
This may well be the case but as someone who has experienced two torsions the above did not apply. We were fortunate to be sitting with the bitch on both occasions and both torsions happened when she was acting perfectly calm and normal. The first time the vet managed to insert a tube to remove excess gas but the second time was more serious and she needed a gastropexy (stomach stitched to the side of the abdomen). She survived and went on to live a long and healthy life.
Possible early signs of an imminent torsion
Excessive drooling
Stretching
Whining
Pacing
Panting
Hiding from you
Glazed eyes
Restlessness
Anxiety
Pale gums
Cannot get comfortable
Looks at belly or butt
Abnormal breathing
Vomiting
Attempted vomiting
Licking of lips/body
Lack of concentration
Cannot/wont listen
SWELLING OF ABDOMEN