Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding Twisted Bowel in Dogs
Twisted bowel, also known as gastric torsion or bloat, is a serious medical condition that affects dogs. It occurs when the stomach rotates on its axis, trapping gas and food inside. As the stomach continues to expand, it puts pressure on other organs and blood vessels, causing them to compress and eventually shut down. If left untreated, twisted bowel can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.
What is Twisted Bowel and How Does it Happen?
Twisted bowel is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. It occurs when the stomach rotates on its axis, blocking the entrance and exit of the stomach. This causes the stomach to fill with gas and food, putting pressure on other organs and blood vessels in the abdomen. As the pressure builds, the blood supply to the stomach and other organs is cut off, leading to tissue death and organ failure.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Dog’s Intestines
To better understand twisted bowel in dogs, it is important to understand the anatomy of their intestines. The gastrointestinal tract of dogs consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. The stomach is located on the left side of the abdomen and is connected to the esophagus at its upper end and to the small intestine at its lower end. The small intestine is the longest part of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. The large intestine, also known as the colon, is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food before it is excreted through the rectum.