The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to first time Great Dane owners of Stomach Torsion, which is the number one killer of Great Danes. We are sure that you probably have many questions about this problem, and this article attempts to answer the most frequently asked questions about the problem.What exactly is stomach torsion? Stomach Torsion, or"twisted stomach", is exactly that. The stomach twistsand turns, and in fact flips over. Most commonly accompanied bybloat which is an expansion of gas in the stomach, the result isthe cutting off of blood circulation to the stomach. If leftuncorrected, the stomach literally dies. This is fatal to thedog.What causes stomach torsion/bloat? The precise cause ofstomach torsion and bloat is still unidentified by the AVMA.There are many different factors, and many different schools ofthought as to what causes this emergency. Contributing factorsmay include genetics, stress or anxiety, large feedings, andexercise following feeding.What are the symptoms of stomach torsion/bloat? Themost obvious symptom is distended stomach, obvious pain, the dogsrefusal to lie down. Most often these symptoms are late in theprogression of the stomach twist. Earlier symptoms can includerepeated retching or trying to throw up without anything comingup, excessive salivating, a hiccup-like movement of the head(this may be a difficulty swallowing, and should bedifferentiated from puppy hiccups). This list of symptoms isbased on my own experience with my own dane who twisted and thediscussion that I have had with my own veterinarian, not on anyveterinary manual.What do I do if I think my Dane is having this problem?TAKE YOUR DANE TO A VETERIANARIAN IMMEDIATELY. Stomachtorsion/bloat have been known to kill in as little as 45 minutes.There is no time to waste. It is very important for Dane ownersto know exactly where your closest Animal Emergency Clinic is,and know how to get in touch with your own vet.How can I prevent this from happening to my Dane? Thereare many ways to cut down the chances of this happening to yourdog, including the following:

1. Feed your dog several small meals a day, instead of one large one.
2. Crate your dog or ensure that the dog’s activity is restricted for at least 60-90 minutes following each meal.
3. Put a couple of simethicone tablets in your dogs food with each meal. This is the active anti-gas ingredient in Maalox anti-gas, DiGel, and Phazyme. Walmart sells a generic anti-gas tablet that is straight simethicone (80 mg), it comes in a turquoise blue bottle with a purple and white label (I think it’s just called Anti-Gas or Gas). This will cut the cost drastically because 1 of these equals 3 Maalox tabs.
4. Soak your dogs dry food for at least 1 hour before you feed, this allows you to monitor exactly how much food is actually in your dogs stomach at once, because the food has already expanded to its full capacity.
5. The most effective way to prevent this from happening to your Dane is to have its stomach surgically tacked into place. The procedure is called a circumcostal gastropexy, and actually takes part of the stomach and attaches it around the last rib. After surgery, the healing process allows the muscle to actually grow in this permanent position. Once this occurs, even if your Dane would happen to bloat, there is not a risk of the stomach twisting and thereby killing the dog.

I highly recommend this preventative measure be taken. I havebeen through the horror of a stomach torsion with one of my own,and simply would not ever take the risk of it happening toanother. There is a huge range in costs for this procedure herein Dallas. I have received quotes of $300-$1100 for thepreventative surgery. I highly recommend the following vet, whois a strong proponent of this preventative surgery, has done manyof them, and currently charges around $400 for the surgery:Dr. Kent Cooper, Carrier Animal Hospital, GrandPrairie, Texas (972) 262-1581There are some very informative websites which we recommendyou look over. Many links to these sites are found at thefollowing site: www.doglogic.comWritten by Ronda MinkGreat Dane Rescue Connection, Inc. P.O. Box 270705 Flower Mound, TX 75027-0705 817-651-2336