On March 31, 1997 Jake suddenly developed a condition known as Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, commonly known as "Bloat" or "Stomach Twist". I was fortunate to be with Jake in the back yard when the symptoms first appeared. My initial thought was that he had something caught in his throat or that he had ingested some sort of poison as he seemed to be gagging and attempting to throw up. Sensing that something may be seriously wrong I rushed him to the emergency veterinary clinic where an X-Ray revealed that his stomach had flipped over and twisted. The doctor attempted to correct the condition by inserting a stomach tube but this failed. The doctor explained that the condition would be fatal unless surgery was performed immediately.

After 3 1/2 hours of surgery Jake was in recovery, hooked up to respirators, I.V. tubes and heart monitors. The doctor explained that although his stomach seemed to be undamaged, the spleen had to be removed. Though Jake seemed to be unconscious, when I spoke to him and stroked his head his heart rate dropped dramatically on the monitor.  In a way, he was letting me know that he was going to be O.K.

By 7:00AM the next morning Jake had not only recovered, he was so full of vigor he had to be restrained when I arrived to see him. He was ready to go home, however he would have to remain on the I.V. fluids and antibiotics for two more days. Back home, he continued to make a remarkable recovery with no post operative complications at all.

Jake lived for over five years after the surgery and never experienced any other stomach problems. His old body just wore out on April 23, 2002.

For reasons not completely understood, as yet, the condition occurs when the stomach flips over twisting shut at both ends. Thus sealed, the stomach then begins to distend and bloat from stomach gasses. This puts pressure on vital organs and interrupts the blood flow. Left untreated the condition is almost 100% fatal within hours.

1. A gagging reflex

2. Unsuccessful repeated attempts to throw up or throwing up foam.

3. Disorientation

4. Pacing and uneasiness

5. Eventual distention of the stomach

The Purdue University Veterinary School is conducting research into this condition. The condition seems to develop in large, older dogs with deep chest, most frequently occurring in Great Danes and Irish Setters. One possible triggering mechanism may be the rapid gulping of food. I believe this was the cause of Jake's condition as it occurred less than fifteen minutes after his evening meal.

For more information, please visit the Bloat Links at the bottom of this page.

In an effort to slow Jake down from gulping his food, I switched to twice a day meals rather than one large evening meal. His diet consisted of a mixture of canned and dry food to which I added extra water to form a gruel like consistency. This way he did not have the chance to take huge gulping bites of food. As long as it's food, Jake didn't care how it was served.
It is also advisable to allow your dog to rest for an hour after each meal before exercising.

The first treatment to be attempted, as in Jake's case, is the insertion of a stomach tube. This may be sufficient to flip the stomach back to its normal position.

If the tube does not solve the problem the only option is surgery, or , in unfortunate cases, the dog must be put to sleep. During Jake's surgery the doctor, as an added stabilizing factor, tacked his stomach to the side wall of his abdomen to give additional resistance to the condition reoccurring.

The success of the surgery depends on both the severity of the twist and the length of time before treatment is received.

Jake's surgery was performed by Dr. Pat Banks of the Animal Emergency Clinic-Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas.

Post-operative care and treatment was administered by Dr. Joe Davis, Village Veterinary Clinic, Houston, Texas.

I posted this page in an attempt to educate other dog owners as to the danger of this condition and hopefully by recognizing the symptoms another life can be extended. If you observe your pet displaying any of the symptoms, you must seek emergency care. Every minute counts.

Ink and oil pastel portrait of Jake by:
Robert C. Ramos
San Antonio, Texas

Jake celebrates his 14th birthday.