Know how to recognize and react accordingly.
This acute syndrome is due to an accumulation of gas and liquids in the stomach, possibly followed by the torsion of the organ. A resulting state of shock will demonstrate the extreme nature of this emergency.
Symptoms to look for:
- the dog becomes anxious, tries to vomit without success, looks at its flanks and salivates abundantly;- the abdomen is distended and becomes painful to the touch. One also notes a clean tympanitis: the percussive sound resembles that of a drum;- a state of shock, accompanied by a dyspnea (respiratory difficulties) develops, and develops towards death in the absence of appropriate treatment.
First procedures:
It is necessary to intervene as soon as possible to release gases present in the stomach and to calm the dog before the veterinarian's arrival.
Two situations exist:
- gently introduce a gas or aquarium tube (diameter about 15 mm) into the esophagus. It should measure the length of the dog from the tip of the muzzle to the last rib.
1 – Tube2 – Esophagus3 - Larynx
- Either there is no resistance when nudging the tube, and gas escapes... Distension stops;
- Or the tube does not enter and it is dangerous and useless to force.
In this case, a trocar is used (thick needle): the most swollen area of the left flank is repaired, slightly behind the last rib, and the trocar is introduced (it is preferable to leave this manoeuvre to the veterinarian).
These actions should relieve the dog while waiting for veterinary treatment, but they do not constitute sufficient treatment (surgical intervention becomes necessary in most cases). It is also imperative to observe the vital functions of the dog, while taking him as quickly as possible to the nearest veterinarian clinic.
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