The second leading cause of death in dogs is Gastric torsion

It is not yet entirely clear what the causes are in a Gastric torsion (GDV). However, we believe some factors can put dogs at a higher risk.
These factors include:

• A dog eating too to fast (gobbling),
• Overeating or overdrinking,
• A dog eating only one big meal a day,
• A dog running or playing right after they eat,
• Your pet eating from a food bowl that’s too high
• Genetics,
• Underweight or overweight for their breed,
• Stressed, nervous, fearful temperament,
• If your dog is older (especially older than seven years old),
• Male dogs experience gastric torsion more often than female dogs,
• If your dog is a part of a bigger breed with a deep chests (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Setters, Wolfhounds, Boxers)

  ***Note: Any canine can develop gastric torsion,

• Restlessness or anxiety
• Noticeable discomfort that worsens progressively
• Attempts to vomit, but nothing comes out
• An arched back/not wanting to lie down
• A swollen, hard abdomen,
• Accelerated breathing,
• Pale gums and tongue,
• Collapsing,
• Shock,

It is a life-threatening condition when your dog shows all the classic signs of gastric torsion.

Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian, report your findings and bring your dog to the practice.
An experienced veterinarian will examine your dog and take an x-ray to confirm.
If your dog is in shock, an IV catheter will be placed to administer fluids and medications to stabilize your pet before surgery.

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition. If examination shows that fortunately it is not a torsion, a veterinarian can place a tube down the throat to relieve built-up pressure.

When a gastic torsion is diagnosed by x-ray, treatment with the tube going down the throat will not work.
In the case of a twisted stomach, emergency surgery will be required. In addition to the surgery, your dog will be continuously given fluids through an IV and medication, and your dog's heart will also be continuously monitored for signs of abnormalities that could be a side effect of gastric torsion. The good news is that, as with any condition, the sooner you spot the signs, the better.

Prevention is better than to cure, especially with torsion.

Make sure your dog eats at eye level, does not play or run immediately after eating, eats a well-balanced meal (preferably 2-3 small meals per day).
For the at-risk breeds, a preventive surgery can be performed. This is called gastropexy. In this operation, the stomach is attached to the body wall, which significantly reduces the chance of the stomach to rotate.