MOTHER OF ALL EMERGENCIES

"There are many injuries and physical disorders that represent life-threatening emergencies. There is only one condition so drastic that it overshadows them all in terms of rapidity of consequences and effort in emergency treatment:

GDV. 

GDV is an acute life-threatening situation that occurs when the stomach expands and then rotates, cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Most dogs will go into shock soon after the first signs of GDV are seen. Death can occur within a matter of hours (or less). Immediate medical and surgical intervention is required to optimize survival. Death rate approaches 50%, even when treated(read more)."

Yeah. 

Shortly after landing on the Eat Coast, Dutch developed signs of GDV. Luckily I know what they are. The nearest emergency clinic is an hour from Cousin Sophie's. Thanks to my brother, we made it there in forty minutes. A few quick X-rays and my freakout is confirmed.

Dutch heads off to surgery...

A few VERY LONG hours later, the vet calls to let us know Dutch is still alive. His stomach and spleen were all sorts of tangled. Lots of bruising, but most of the tissue is still mostly healthy. Apparently the veins connecting his spleen to stomach are extra long and this helped. Go Dutch veins! Plenty of things can still go very wrong post-op, but so far so good. All fingers, toes, paws & thumbs crossed. Will know more in the next 24 hours. 

You will know when I know. Just don't tell Puglet. 

If you have a big dog, READ THIS NOW. Most of the symptoms of GDV are very specific if you know what to look for. GDV is always always always an emergency.