When either bloat or gastric torsion occurs, your Deerhound needs immediate veterinary care or it will die. As with many deep-chested breeds, Deerhounds can be susceptible to bloat, a condition in which the stomach swells because of a buildup of gas and/or fluid, and gastric torsion, in which the stomach actually rotates, cutting off its blood supply. Sometimes the spleen rotates. The symptoms are the same and bloat often precedes torsion. Some of the symptoms might include restlessness, getting up and down, pacing, vomiting (sometimes the vomit is very foamy), attempting to vomit, or the stomach swells and/or gets hard. Please go over these and other symptoms with your veterinarian so you are familiar with them.
It is not known what causes bloat/gastric torsion, but there are several practices concerning feeding and exercise that many breeders and veterinarians recommend that might help to reduce the risk that this will occur. Discuss preventive practices with your dog’s veterinarian and breeder. As bloat/gastric torsion often happens in the wee hours or on weekends, know whom to call in an emergency. This problem can’t wait until morning!