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Mastitis in dogs is A disease that is located in the mammary glands Of the females, almost always when they are raising puppies, but sometimes even if there is a psychological pregnancy, something that is more common than we think. Causes A canine mastitis is nothing more than an inflammation of the breasts of the females, which can be accompanied by infection or not, since sometimes there is only swelling. Among the most usual causes is the way in which puppies get breast milk, especially when they are a bit larger and gain weight. So They press the breasts with the legs and nails, causing small injuries. This is usually combined with a decrease in the mother's defenses, which facilitates inflammation and infection, which would otherwise not occur. On other occasions it is not necessary that there are sucking puppies, since sometimes mastitis appears in psychological pregnancies. The dog is not pregnant, but she believes yes and the body acts accordingly. In fact, even though there is really no pregnancy, breasts swell and get hard, which sometimes derives in a mastitis. How to know if my dog ​​has mastitis The diagnosis must be made by a veterinarian, but we must be attentive to our dog if you have puppies, checking the breasts regularly in order to see if we notice them very hot, hard or swollen. In addition, in the event that our dog changes behavior, it is also the first thing we must look at, in case it had a psychological pregnancy that has derived in a mastitis. If you are raising, we will not only appreciate mastitis in our dog, but Puppies can also put us on alert, for example, if we notice that they stop giving weight. In any case, a visit to our trusted veterinarian will bring us an accurate diagnosis in order to act accordingly, which always begins to withdraw the puppies, otherwise the problem will only go to more and will be aggravated. This professional can do different tests, but sometimes a physical examination is enough for him and taking the temperature to the dog. In order to make sure you can analyze the breast secretions if there are or perform a milk crop. Symptoms There are several symptoms that are common to all bitches with mastitis, although it is true that sometimes it is not easy to associate them with this pathology if we do not make an exploration, since some such as fatigue are associated with parenting, especially if there are many puppies Thus, with mastitis The first thing we notice is that the dog is very tired And fatigued, moving less than normal or making it very slowly. We should not think that it is a matter of breastfeeding, especially if it has also lost its appetite. If despite having several sucking puppies, it is not eaten, it is best to start exploration as soon as possible. What do we notice in the breasts of a dog with mastitis? Already with this disease in mind, we are going to explore the breasts and we may see other very clear symptoms, such as very inflamed and hard tits, which get to hurt if we explore and touch them. At this point it is common that The mother avoids breastfeeding the puppies, since they cause a pretty strong pain that no longer supports. In turn, it is likely that the area around the breasts is red and irritated or even has some packages or protuberances. Other symptoms, of the clearest, are the hemorrhagic secretions with pus, perhaps what warns us most, because we all know that milk is neither red nor green. It can also have vomiting, diarrhea and fever, although of course the most obvious signals are what we appreciate in the breast area. Puppies also suffer from some symptoms Although puppies do not infect mastitis, even when it is as an infection, they present symptoms that also indicate that the mother can suffer from this problem. Suddenly, we notice that they are not taking weight as they should. In fact, they even lose weight because they do not suck quite a lot, because the mother prevents it. Your activity also low. The aforementioned puppies that did not stop moving now are weak and complain all day, as if they were hungry. As if that were not enough, they can have diarrhea and vomit, in addition to losing their hair due to lack of nutrients by not ingesting all the milk they need. Treatment In the beginning, and if it is taken in time, mastitis is not a serious illness, but it can go more in the event that it goes unnoticed. The treatment begins with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as amoxicillin For about two or three weeks. After that time, if mastitis has not disappeared or sent almost entirely, it is necessary to make a crop. With this, it is seen what is the specific bacteria that is causing mastitis and the best antibiotic can be prescribed to eliminate it. In addition, the veterinarian will prick the female an anti -inflammatory in order to take away the pain as soon as possible and lower the swelling, which will accompany with a recipe to give it compressed at home for a few days. Another treatments is to get the milk that is retained And if there are wounds in the breast area, you can apply some treatment (even a natural one) with the idea that you improve as soon as possible. There are serious cases in which the dog has to go through the operating room, because we must drain the entire pus accumulated in the mammary glands and it may be that the mastectomy is a good decision. To end the treatment, at first it is likely that the veterinarian manages an intravenous serum with some vitamins or even glucose, especially if he has a fever or sees it very weak. Prevention We already know the symptoms and treatment, but the most important thing is the prevention of mastitis in dogs, because the puppies have to breastfeed and nothing better than they do with their mother, ingesting natural milk. We will start with breast hygiene. One or twice a day we will proceed to clean them with water and a sterile gauze, something that will not affect puppies, because they will not perceive any strange flavor. This will allow us to notice immediately if the breasts are changing or there is any problem that leads to mastitis. The puppies are also part of the prevention, so with the same procedure we are going to clean their legs eliminating dirt and feces, which we do not want to end in the mother's breasts. Finally, when the puppies are sucking, you have to see if they do all the tits. If we let one of the puppies take it and put it to breastfeed there, then It is essential that all breasts "work" and allow milk to come out through them so as not to cause retentions. Other articles that may interest you: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Bullshit Otitis in dogs Leishmaniasis Dog conjunctivitis Rage Parvovirus

Otitis in dogs is a fairly common disease. Can be given in any dog ​​throughout your life, although the truth is that there are some more prone races than others and environmental conditions also greatly influence. Causes of otitis in dogs There are several causes that can cause this inflammation in the ear of the dogs, starting because the animal produces a lot of wax or has too much hair inside the ears (a combination of both also produces otitis). It also occurs if a foreign object is introduced, which is usual in dogs that go to the field often, although it can occur in the same way if we use cotton sticks when cleaning your ears. Mites are other culprits, as well as allergic reactions. An otitis in dogs can also be developed by tumors in the ear, by hormonal changes or because the animal produces much keratin. Even race can predispose a dog having otitis, as is the case with large ears and falls, of the type of cocker, the basset and the wishes in general. Finally, a humid environment helps a lot for dogs to suffer from this infection from time to time, which does not happen so often if they live in dry climates. How to know if my dog ​​has otitis There is no better way to know if a dog has otitis than going to the veterinarian, although we are going to see that the animal behaves in a strange way, as if it had pain in the upper area of ​​the head. Symptoms Although we have to go to the veterinarian, which will make the diagnosis through a series of very simple tests, The truth is that dog otitis is something very easy to detect because it has characteristic symptoms. The dog walks with his head tilted One of the most characteristic signs is that The animal begins to walk with its head tilted, which catches our attention and makes us alert immediately. The side to the one that places the head indicates the ear in which the otitis has, because although it can occur in both of them, it is normal for the disease to only occur in one of them, or at least it does not appear in both at the same time. Bad smell in the ear Another symptoms of otitis is bad smell inside the ear. The smell is quite nauseabundo. It comes to us when it is close to us and puts our ear in the vicinity of the nose, or at the time of cleaning it. This bad smell is usually accompanied by yellow or green secretions, which are another indicative that there is an infection. The animal does not stop shaking the head If the dog has otitis, it will have pain, which tries to relieve its head very often, especially on the ear side in which the infection is. That symptom is usually accompanied by the first one we have seen, wearing the head tilted. Ear pain when touching him and can even stop eating When the pain is not so intense, there is probable that there are no visible symptoms. However, if we touch it, you complain when we put your hand near the ear and you can even stop eating for the discomfort caused by the movement of the jaws. Loss of balance and deafness Luckily, severe otitis in dogs is not common, but if it occurs (it is more serious the more it is introduced into the ear) The symptoms go further and get to make the dog fall. As in humans, the balance organ is in the ear, so that when the dog is affected, it is not able to stand up. Deafness is also another complications of severe otitis in dogs, something we notice if we call it and does not come (before it always did) or in the sudden reactions when we touched it, there is a very strong noise, etc. Diagnosis The diagnosis is very simple for a professional, who only to see the symptoms that the dog has as soon as the clinic door has, you will know what happens to it. The first thing that will do, although it already suspects that there is an otitis, is Check the ear in order to check if there is a bad smell, if there are secretions and what color they are, since this guides it on the type of bacteria that have caused it. You can take a sample in order to look at it at the microscope, thus ensuring the diagnosis and paying the best treatment. It will also use the otoscope, despite the fact that the truth is that if the dog presents pain it will not be simple, although it is possible to use local anesthesia in order to facilitate the task. This is done to see the damage in the ear, in order to verify how far the infection has come, and especially at the time of Make sure there are no foreign bodies that are guilty of having produced otitis. In the event that there is something inside the ear, such as a piece of branch, if the medications are not extracted, since otitis will continue its course. Treatment The treatment is usually quite simple and It almost always consists of a few antibiotic drops of wide spectrum for the ears, that fight the bacteria that produce otitis. In turn, the veterinarian usually cleans the ear and will tell us how it is done in order to eliminate wax, in addition to secretions. The reason is that although the drops work in dirty ears, they do better if the inside of the ear is clean. When there is pain, which shows because the dog shakes his head a lot or scratches, he can also administer some medication to alleviate it. They almost always click on the first dose, thus acts right away, and then they can prescribe some pills. The cases of serious otitis in dogs are less common, but if we have the bad luck that our dog suffers (a good way to avoid it is to go to the veterinarian before the first symptom) The treatment usually consists of an operation to fix the damages caused by the infection. Prevention Otitis can be prevented in most cases following a series of guidelines that are quite simple. With regular cleaning we will avoid a good part of the infections. You can do a couple of times a week and we only need gauze and physiological serum, although we can also buy a specific product. Another way to avoid infections is to shave hair inside the ear. We can do it with a dog machine, with one for people with a narrow comb or with scissors, thus avoiding the wax to have places to accumulate. Reviewing the ears when we come from abroad also helps enough, since we will see if there are objects inside that they will cause otitis in dogs with total security. If we see a branch, a sheet, etc., and we cannot take it out we will go to the veterinarian immediately. Thus, we will get the infection not to occur. Other articles that may interest you: Leishmaniasis Dog diabetes Conjunctivitis - Causes, symptoms and treatment The rage Parvovirus Gases in dogs Asthma in dogs Elbow dysplasia Hip dysplasia

Leishmaniasis is the medical term used to describe the disease caused by the protozoan parasite known as Leishmania. In dogs, it is a condition that can become deadly. Also known as Leishmaniosis, is presented in two different ways: Cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis. Different species of the parasite are associated with each form of the virus. It is believed that there are about 20 types of Leishmania that can transmit the disease to different mammals, including humans. Transmission of Leishmaniasis disease Leishmania is A defásic parasite which completes its life cycle in two guests: a sandfly that houses the form of extracellular flagellate and a mammal in which the shape of the intracellular amastigotic parasite develops. That is, the parasite is inactive while in its first guest: the sand fly or Flobotomo. Once the parasite has contact with the following host, a mammal, develops and reproduces becoming lethal.Transmission is a complex process that requires a special adaptation between the guest of the sand fly and the particular species of Leishmania transmitted. There are numerous species of sand flies, of which only a minority can act as competent carriers of the parasite. The infection incubation period until the visualization of symptoms goes from a month to many years. Some dogs may be infected with the parasite of Leishmaniosis for an extensive period of time and not show any symptoms of the disease. In asymptomatic dogs, The parasite can remain inactive for some time, even for years, before an external stimulant such as stress or some disease, activate the parasite causing multiply and attack to the body where it is housed. Eventually the dog could develop a skin infection or a visceral reaction. However, in both cases symptomatic and asymptomatic, guests are able to infect the sand fly that would later infect other animals.Symptoms and types of leishmaniosis Each of Leishmaniasis types in dogs, visceral or cutaneous, presents different characteristics, then the most common symptoms in cases of leishmaniasis: Visceral leishmaniasis. Sometimes it is mentioned as systematic leishmaniasis. It commonly occurs two to eight months after the bite of the Flobotomo. It mainly damages internal organs, such as spleen, kidneys or liver. It also harms the immune system of the animal and spinal cord. If not treated, This type of leishmaniasis can be fatal.Main symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis: Loss of appetite. Severe weight loss as a result of the lack of appetite. Diarrhea. Tarry feces. Vomit. Nose bleeding. Movement intolerance. Cutaneous leishmaniasis. This can cause ulcers in the skin of the dog, it is the most common form of the disease. Sometimes treatment is not necessary, however, it is convenient to expedite the healing and prevent complications. Main symptoms of the infection of cutaneous leishmaniasis: Hyperkeratosis is the most common symptom. Epidermal peeling with skin thickening, depigmentation (skin loss) and cracks in the fence pads, in some cases an abnormal growth can be shown in the canine hooves. Alopecia, dry and brittle hair with symmetric loss of hair. Nodules on the skin surface. Intradermal nodules and ulcers. Broken nails are normal in some cases. Other symptoms associated with leishmaniasis: Lymphadenopathy: Lymph node disease with skin lesions in 90 percent of cases. Landwearly Renal failure signals: excessive urination, excessive thirst and possible vomiting. Joint pain. Inflammation of the muscles. Inflamed spleen about a third of patients. [embed] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghj3_0Wlye[/embed] Causes of Leishmaniosis Pets, and even humans can be exposed to the virus when traveling to endemic regions, areas where it is more common to find the sand fly, this being the most common way to get the disease. The parasite lives and multiplies within the female of sand flies, this insect is more active in humid environments during the hottest months of the year. Domestic animals, such as dogs, can serve as containers for the parasite. Leishmania is a parasite that affects rodents, carnivores, marsupials, dogs and humans. The disease takes greater seriousness when the guest is of human race or in dogs, It is characterized with skin lesions or deteriorating internal organs, especially those in the abdominal zone.In which places is it more frequent to find leishmaniasis? Geographically this disease is found anywhere in the world, except Australia and Antarctic, even so, 95 percent of cases occur in the following places: America Central Asia The Mediterranean basin The Middle East In 2015 about 90 percent of cases happened in the following countries: Brazil Ethiopia India Kenia Somalia Sudan Portugal and Spain are one of the most common places to find this parasite. However, there have been sporadic cases in Switzerland, northern France and the Netherlands. Also endemic areas of South and Central America, and southern Mexico. Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis Infection It is important to take into account the places that were visited, in this way the veterinarian will know what to look for when performing physical or blood exams, it will also be easier when discarding possible diseases.Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis The veterinarian must take a small skin sample To perform a biopsy to the tissue, it is taken by the surface of the ulcer. Normally the DNA or genetic material of the parasite is sought, there are varieties of methods to identify what type of parasite is. Once the treatment is diagnosed and initiated, the dog has great possibilities to survive with few or without any side effect. Visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis It is difficult for humans early detection of infection. Knowing what the pet was exposed can be very helpful. When the presence of visceral leishmaniosis infection is suspected, the doctor must examine internal organs in search of injuries or inflammation, paying more attention to the kidneys, liver and spleen, since these are the main organs affected in most cases.Leishmaniosis complications Cutaneous leishmaniasis can include: Bleeding Other infections due to the weakness of the immune system. In the long term, ulcers scars can lead to disfigurement, treatment can reduce its severity. Meanwhile, visceral leishmaniosis usually has fatal effects since both internal organs and the immune system weakens. Visceral leishmaniosis is fatal due to its silent recreation in the body, after two years, if it is not properly treated, it is irreparable.Treatment against leishmaniosis Regarding treatment for fight leishmaniosis, this consists mainly of two drugs: He meglumine antimony, an antiprotozoar whose effect is to inhibit the glycolytic enzymes of the parasite He ALLOPURINOL, whose purpose is to reduce the production of uric acid in the body. The best way to administer the antimony of meglumina is to do it in two daily doses of 50 mg/kg or once a day with a dose of 100 mg/kg. The treatment abitually extends about 4 weeks, however, if the symptoms do not disappear completely, the treatment can be extended for a couple more weeks.As for Allopurinol, the treatment could cover the two months, 10 mg/kg are administered twice a day. A balanced diet can be prescribed by the veterinarian, however, this may vary depending on the animal. A Diet rich in antioxidants and proteins With low uric acid content, it is the most recommended for CA to recover its physical strength, muscle mass and motor capabilities. Cutaneous leishmaniasis Ulcers formed by leishmaniasis usually do not require any treatment, they heal alone. Likewise, treatment can help accelerate healing and reduces the risk of complications, likewise, ulcers can cause disfigurement in the host of the infection, depending on its gravity, these lesions may require plastic surgery.Visceral leishmaniasis Visceral leishmaniasis will always require treatment. Several medications are available. Commonly used medications include sodium, amphotericin B, paromomycin and miltefosine stibogluconate. How can we prevent leishmaniasis? There is no vaccine or medicine that helps prevent contact with the parasite of Leishmania. The safest way not to get this infection is Avoid the mouth of the sand.Some of the preventive measures that can be taken are: Dogs must periodically submit to clinical and laboratory controls to detect infection early. Each dog (healthy, infected or sick) must be protected with pyrethroids (which contain antiparasitic pipettes) to reduce contact with sand flies. Surely you are also interested in informing yourself in our blog about: Bullshit Hypo in dogs Common Dog Diseases

Among all the diseases that our dogs can have, anger is one of the best known, since there are texts of centuries ago who name it and describe it very well, having lived together with it suffering and dying when they were infected. Luckily he is extinct in peninsular Spain, and only sporadic cases are given in Ceuta and Melilla, which is why dogs continue to be vaccinated with a frequency that depends on each autonomous community, although in recent years they are stricter because of the cases that occur in these two autonomous cities. How is it spread? It is a viral disease present in mammals, such as dogs, cats less frequently, foxes or bats. The half of contagion is saliva, so the most frequent way to pass from one animal to another or even humans, since it is a zoonosis, is the bite. When an animal bites another or a person, the virus that is in their saliva passes to the blood and begins its incubation period, but sometimes it is not even necessary a bite. Although it is less frequent, it is known that one can also spread if an infected animal licks another in a mucosa or in an area where it has a wound. It is not usual, since bats are in contact with our dogs, but this mammal is a reservoir of the disease and a infection without bite is possible, just because of contact with their urine or stool. What are the symptoms of rabies? This disease has a very broad symptomatology, so much that on many occasions it can be confused with neurological problems that have nothing to do with it. Given the minimum suspicion, it is best to go to the veterinarian, whose expert eye and the tests (if you consider them necessary) will tell us if our pet has anger or other health problem. Aggressiveness One of the best known is irritability and aggressiveness. Suddenly, an animal that has never given problems begins to act in a strange way, showing aggressive with us, with strangers and with other animals. That behavior change must make us suspect, and although it does not mean that the animal has rage, it is best to go to a veterinary clinic, since it indicates that something that is affecting the health of our dog is happening and that requires immediate attention. Excessive salivation Salivation is another of those symptoms that we associate with rage, since in all ancient representations the rabid dogs are shown with their mouths full of drool, which fall abundantly. This hypersalivation is due to the fact that one of the parts of the organism that attacks this virus is the salivary glands of the animal, something that helps it expand, since it extends by contaminated saliva. Phobia in light and water An aversion or phobia in light is not associated so much with rage, but Another symptoms known since ancient is the phobia to water. Dogs do not usually have water problems, but when they have anger they don't want to approach it, fleeing or getting aggressive if we try to wet them. Similarly, light bothers them a lot and have to hide from it. Other less known symptoms There is also another symptomatology that specialists know well, but that we do not have no animal health notions do not associate with the disease. Some of them are fever, face paralysis and general paralysis, which usually appears at the final moment when the dog is about to die from this virus. Phases of rabies in dogs From the moment an infected animal bites the dog, the rage begins to develop following a series of phases that are very well studied due to all the time we have been living with the disease. The phases can occur more or less quickly, but in the end the animal will go through all if we do not remedy before, which is impossible in stray dogs, which are the ones that should really worry us, because there is no one to worry about them Incubation When an infected animal bites a dog, the disease transmits (if it is not immunized by vaccine), but it does not manifest immediately, but goes through an incubation period. The dog is already infected, but asymptomatic for a time ranging from a week to several months. It seems that this period varies depending on the area of ​​the bite, so that the closer the brain is, the shorter incubation. It is impossible to know that the dog has rage at this time, unless we see the animal that has transmitted it and we suspect that it is infected by its behavior or because excessively salives. Prodromic In this second phase the first symptoms begin to appear, which are not usually associated with rage, since The dog is tired and scared. It can also present nervousness. There is no aggressiveness and at this time it does not represent hardly danger either for humans or for other animals, but rage is there and will not stop advancing. Aggressiveness After two to ten days of the previous phase the risk begins, the moments in which a dog with rage is a danger to the one around him no matter if he is animal or human. This is when the symptoms that are associated with rabies, such as aggressiveness and excessive salivation are presented, with withdrawal of the lips by a spasm that makes the teeth look very well, which intensifies the sensation of danger. He will try to bite other animals, people and even their own owners if they do not take precautions and it is best to enclose it while the veterinarians come. Paralysis We reach the end of the disease, when the throat and jaw are paralyzed. Little by little, the dog loses control of the movement and collapse, being paralyzed and even entering a coma until in the end dies, which can take several days. Diagnosis There are two ways to make the diagnosis. With the oldest one had to wait for the dog to die and take a sample of the brain tissues, in which the virus can be seen. Now it is also used if the animal has died and it is believed that the cause has been anger, since it is the simplest test and the one that has the least risk. If the dog is alive, the veterinarian can make a blood test To know if the symptoms are due to a neurological disease or the dog has anger, thanks to the polymerase chain reaction. Treatment of rabies in dogs There is no treatment for anger in dogs. It is a deadly disease against which we cannot do anything More than notifying the authorities, because the laws force us to do so. Seeing what happens as the phases of the disease advance, the best thing for the animal is to sacrifice it, otherwise the only thing we will get is that it suffers a terrible suffering. In addition, we must not forget that the disease can be transmitted if we do not act quickly, which is also very serious in humans and causes death if it is not treated in time. Although it is hard to think that we cannot do anything for our pet, the rage makes it a danger and if we do not apply euthanasia in the end it will die the same suffering unnecessary, paralyzed and by suffocation. Rabia prevention in dogs Luckily, Preventing anger in dogs is very simple and all we have to do is follow the vaccination calendar of our autonomous community. It is important to know when the animal must be vaccinated, because it is not an optional injection, but is mandatory in order for this terrible disease to be eradicated in our country. Sometimes, this calendar is a bit straight, because in recent years it has changed a few occasions, some communities reaching the mandatory vaccine or putting it every two years. Now the calendar is stricter and you even have to vaccinate the puppies, so The best way to be up to date with vaccines is to ask our trusted veterinarian, which is aware of all legislative changes. Due to how important the Rabies vaccination, in all Spanish municipalities campaigns are carried out, so the neighbors do not have to leave their villages in order to vaccinate their dogs, since it is the veterinarians who move to put the injections. Other canine diseases that may interest you: Parvovirus in dogs Bullshit Gastric torsion Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Renal failure Leishmaniasis in dogs

Our pets are an important part of the family and that is why we always try to watch over their well -being. We take care of their food, hygiene, diseases and, in general, of all aspects that allow them to maintain a healthy life. To contribute to the care you give to your pet, today we will talk about Gastric torsion in dogs: its causes, its symptoms and some recommendations, since it is a disease that can be potentially deadly if it is not attended immediately. It is always important to offer a good diet, in this case recommended using feed with a lot of super premium range digestibility, as the daily ration is more digestible, it will be lower and will be better fed, in very prone breeds or that they have this pathology it is recommended to give them the daily ration divided into two shots, in feed blue wolf we have available the super premium feet of lamb that gives very good results in dogs with dogs with delicate stomachs. What is gastric torsion? Gastric torsion, whose full name is Gastric dilatation-cross syndrome, it is an acute disease that occurs in many groups of animals, including man. In dogs, more prone breeds to suffer gastric torsion They are the big, deep chest, guy boxer, great Danish, German shepherd, giant schnauzer, dobermanBulldog, Dalmatian, among others, although smaller breeds may also suffer if they are not provided with adequate nutrition.  What happens during gastric torsion in dogs? Gastric torsion in dogs is produced by the accumulation of gases in the stomach and inability of the body's own physiological mechanisms to empty them. This accumulation causes the dilation of stomach walls and rotation or torsion on its longitudinal axis, causing in turn the strangulation of the veins and the arteries that irrigate it, the hypovolemic shock - or reduction of the amount of blood circulating through the body - and the severe ischemia - or decreased blood irrigation - of the stomach walls. Sometimes, more or less pronounced torsion of the spleen can also occur by the pressure exerted by the stomach and also torsion or intestine strangulation, what is known as volvulus. The entire picture of difficulty in blood irrigation, plus the accumulation of mediating substances of inflammation, cause the dog cardiac arrhythmias and severe poisoning. In addition to the inability to empty the stomach because of the torsion it suffers.  Causes of gastric torsion in dogs: some hypotheses The Causes that cause gastric torsion in dogs. One of the proposed hypotheses is the inability of the ligaments that support the stomach to hold it properly due to the great dilation suffered by the accumulation of gases. However, it is believed that too It can be related to some abnormality in stomach movements and even have some hereditary component. Its appearance has been associated with copious intakes of food at once, as well as with eating very fast, drinking a lot of water and eating immediately before or after the performance of physical exercise. The development of stressful situations for the dog during the time of its food has also been mentioned. Symptoms of gastric torsion in dogs Initial symptoms The first symptom that can be evidenced is inflammation or stomach swell, what should attract your attention and be a reason for careful observation of the dog, as it can move quickly until gastric torsion occurs. Given these first symptoms, it is important to take the precautions of the case, which can include the visit to the veterinarian, since the early detection will be the one that allows the proper and timely treatment that your dog's life can save.  Associated symptoms In addition to inflammation or swelling, Your dog can Start presenting other symptoms associated with the internal process that is being developed: It produces many gases or belching. He is restless and complains. Suffers from abdominal spasms that cause nausea And desire to vomit, but he is not able to do it; Sparkling saliva boot. The abdominal cavity sounds like a drum if it hits gently on it. You can present Difficulty breathing. You will see what something happens because it will be depressed, weak and without appetite. Gastric torsion treatment of dogs Initial treatment The main treatment is immediate attention from your dog by the veterinarian Who will proceed with the diagnosis, for which it can be helped with an radiography that will allow you to see how relaxed the stomach is. As soon as possible, it must stabilize it through the supply of intravenous fluids and antibiotics and, if possible, to the emptying of the stomach to reduce the pressure. Once the stabilization of the general state of the dog is achieved and depending on the gravity that torsion has reached, surgical intervention may be necessary for return the stomach and spleen to its natural position and eliminate the parts of intestine that have suffered necrosis. Sometimes, the stomach must be connected directly to the colon to avoid future torsion episodes and should be fixed to the costal wall to avoid the risk of future torsion. Postoperative treatment In addition to all the care that must be followed in emergency treatment and the possible surgical intervention, you must take special care with the subsequent treatment due to the risks of infection that may occur that they can derive in peritonitis. However, one of the biggest postoperative complications It can be presented by the restart of blood irrigation in affected tissues. When normal blood circulation is restored, cardiac arrhythmias that must be treated with the indicated drugs can occur.  Recommendations For prevent your dog from suffering a gastric torsion, the main recommendation is to control the amount of food you consume in each meal. It is preferable that meals fractions and establish a more or less fixed schedule for them to perform them. It is also recommended to control water intake after each meal and avoid exercise one hour before and, at least three hours after eating. Help also maintain a relaxed environment for the moment you eat. Remember that these preventive measures will not necessarily prevent your dog from suffering gastric torsion, so you should always be attentive to your condition and go immediately to the veterinarian in case of any suspicion. [embed] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaxbf4u-jrg[/embed] Other dog conditions that may interest you: Sterilization and castration in dogs Dogs with anxiety What to do? Osteoarthritis in dogs Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Renal insufficiency in older dogs Canine anemia