<P> One common recommendation in the past has been to raise the food bowl of the dog when it eats . However, studies have shown that this may actually increase the risk of GDV . Eating only once daily and eating food consisting of particles less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in size also may increase the risk of GDV . One study looking at the ingredients of dry dog food found that while neither grains, soy, nor animal proteins increased risk of bloat, foods containing an increased amount of added oils or fats do increase the risk, possibly due to delayed emptying of the stomach . </P> <P> The stomach twists around the longitudinal axis of the digestive tract, also known as volvulus . Gas distension may occur prior to or after the stomach twists . The most common direction for rotation is clockwise, viewing the animal from behind . The stomach can rotate up to 360 ° in this direction and 90 ° counterclockwise . If the volvulus is greater than 180 °, the esophagus is closed off, thereby preventing the animal from relieving the condition by belching or vomiting . The results of this distortion of normal anatomy and gas distension include hypotension (low blood pressure), decreased return of blood to the heart, ischemia (loss of blood supply) of the stomach, and shock . Pressure on the portal vein decreases blood flow to liver and decreases the ability of that organ to remove toxins and absorbed bacteria from the blood . At the other end of the stomach, the spleen may be damaged if the twisting interrupts its blood supply . If not quickly treated, bloat can lead to blood poisoning, peritonitis and death by toxic shock . </P> <P> A diagnosis of gastric dilatation - volvulus is made by several factors . The breed and history will often give a significant suspicion of gastric dilatation - volvulus, and the physical exam will often reveal the telltale sign of a distended abdomen with abdominal tympany . Shock is diagnosed by the presence of pale mucous membranes with poor capillary refill, increased heart rate, and poor pulse quality . Radiographs (x-rays), usually taken after decompression of the stomach if the dog is unstable, will show a stomach distended with gas . The pylorus, which normally is ventral and to the right of the body of the stomach, will be cranial to the body of the stomach and left of the midline, often separated on the x-ray by soft tissue and giving the appearance of a separate gas filled pocket (double bubble sign). </P> <P> Gastric dilatation volvulus is an emergency medical condition: having the animal examined by a veterinarian is imperative . GDV can become fatal within a matter of minutes . </P>

Symptoms of a flipped stomach in a dog