Gastric Distress

Bloat (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus or GDV)

This is a life threatening condition that can develop is some Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs that causes the stomach to rapidly fill with gas and/or fluid and then flip upon itself. Once rotated, the gas is unable to escape and continues to build up.  Blood circulation to the stomach and the rest of the body will become seriously compromised.  The classic signs of bloat are swollen stomach, anxious behavior, unproductive retching and salivation. Without immediate emergency veterinary treatment this condition is usually fatal. 

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Many vets recommend a procedure called a Prophylactic Gastropexy which may prevent stomach torsion in the case of gastric bloat.

Click here to LEARN MORE: Preventing Torsion When Bloating with Prophylactic Gastropexy

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Research:

GSMDCA was a lead sponsor of an study conducted by AKC Canine Health Foundation: CHF Fights Bloat in Dogs. Click here to read the study report.

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Splenic Torsion

Splenic Torsion is a twisting, or folding and unfolding of the spleen. It may occur by itself (rare) or in association with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome, commonly known as bloat. The torsion cuts off blood flow to the area where it occurs, resulting in a painfully enlarged spleen. This condition is a life threatening emergency and the dog must receive immediate veterinary treatment. 

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Splenectomy - removal of all or a portion of the spleen - your veterinarian may recommend a splenectomy in response to a disease diagnosis of your dog's spleen. To learn more about splenectomy, its benefits and risks, go to American College of Veterinarian Surgeons (ACVS) website. Note: The GSMDCA Health Foundation does NOT recommend the prophylactic removal of any organ. Please talk with your vet about the benefits and risks of removing a healthy organ from your dog.

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GSMDCA is a supporting funder of a study being conducted by AKC Canine Health Foundation 02746-A: Evaluation of Serum miRNA as a Diagnostic Tool for Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma. Click here to read more about this ongoing study.