The History of Sumo – An Upside-Down Stomach

In the photo, you can see Dr. Rasa Ciparienė with her patient – an 11-year-old Central Asian Shepherd named Sumo. This veteran came to our clinic at night because the owners became concerned about the dog’s lethargy, increased drooling, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. An X-ray at the clinic revealed gas in the stomach, confirming the diagnosis of gastric torsion. The patient was urgently operated on, and the stomach was successfully untwisted. We are delighted with another successfully treated patient!

Well, to prevent this from happening, remember a few important things:

at least an hour before and after meals, don’t let your pet run around actively, play, or roll over;
don’t give food that spoils quickly.
There may be exceptions, but these are the most common reasons why the stomach can twist.

And if you notice your pet’s increased abdominal size, excessive drooling, or panting – you must take the animal to a veterinarian immediately, as the first 2 hours are critically important for successful treatment.