Could you recommend any studies, information or contacts that may know more bout this unusual type of volvulus. The mesentery is the suspension system for the intestines. For some reason this system usually works without the intestines twisting around the base and cutting off their own blood supply. When this twisting does occur it is known as mesenteric volvulus. This causes an rapid onset of shock and abdominal pain.
Most dogs die before their condition can be diagnosed.
Dogs that do make it to the veterinary hospital present a dilemma for their vets. The veterinarian must be aggressive enough to attempt surgery in the face of severe shock and an uncertain diagnosis. Since there are conditions that can cause similar signs, such as necrotizing pancreatitis, for which surgery may not be advisable, it is a difficult call. Most vets consider themselves very very lucky to make the right choice, get to the problem in time to untwist the mesentery and allow the blood to flow and to still have enough viable intestine to allow the dog to live. This problem seems to occur more commonly in German shepherds than in other breeds but has been reported in many breeds.