Explore the Reason Behind Acute Vomiting – A Focus on Gastric Dilation – Instructor Guide

125 Explore the Reason Behind Acute Vomiting – A Focus on Gastric Dilation – Instructor Guide

Explore the Reason Behind Acute Vomiting – A Focus on Gastric Dilation

Instructional Guide

Learners will explore what gastric dilation is, as well as its causes, diagnostics, and treatments.

Intended Grade Level

This lesson is designed for students grades 9-12. Students should be familiar with general anatomy of the GI system, especially the stomach. Students should also feel comfortable with understanding the general process of digestion.

Learning objectives

Students will be able to describe the difference between physiological and pathological gastric distension and identify common causes such as overeating, rapid ingestion, and pica.
Students will be able to explain the progression from acute gastric distension to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) and recognize the potential symptoms and risks associated with GDV.
Students will be able to summarize the diagnostic tools and treatment options for gastric distension and GDV, including the importance of early intervention.

Lesson Format

Student Page

This can be done in any size group. The material can be printed and disseminated to read.

First students will read a section on gastric distention in dogs (15 minutes)
Next, students will work through a branching-scenario simulation that mimics the process of a veterinary appointment. It will walk them through diagnostics and treatment options for a dog with gastric dilation (15 minutes)
After the activity, students will read a brief summary (5 minutes)
The assessment will be a short quiz based on the learning objectives (5 minutes)

Lesson Background

Canines (dogs) have a gastrointestinal tract very similar to ours. Their esophagus leads to their simple stomach, which can expand to accommodate large meals because they are omnivorous predators and usually eat larger meals at a time, with breaks in between. This is followed by small intestines, large intestines, and a rectum leading to the anus. Food is digested by acid and enzymes in the stomach, as well as in the small intestine. They have tall, sharp teeth as needed for tearing and chewing on meat and bones. Dogs can experience a gastric torsion and volvulus (GDV). This is when the stomach twists upon itself and is usually caused by consuming a large amount of food or air. Deep-chested dogs are more at risk. This restricts blood flow to part of the digestive system and blocks ingesta (partially digested food) from moving through. With things not able to move through, the animal cannot absorb nutrients or water and can become dehydrated and malnourished. They can appear bloated/with a distended abdomen from gas accumulation, be drooling, not wanting to eat, and in pain. A tube is usually passed to try to relieve gas in the stomach, and surgery is often required. Some vets may perform a surgery to tack the stomach wall to the body wall to prevent this if the dog has had an occurrence or if it is a breed that is commonly predisposed to experiencing this. Here is a quick video to visualize a stomach twist:

Activities

Students will work through a branching scenario that starts with a physical exam, then directs them through different diagnostics options, and ends with exploring different treatment options. Students will have the option to choose which diagnostic and treatment option they want to explore, and will be provided with explanations throughout the way.

Common misconceptions and challenge points

Students may think bloating is just uncomfortable but not dangerous, and may not understand how quickly it can escalate into a life-threatening emergency in animals.
Students may have a difficult time understanding that gastric distension can be normal or mild, while GDV involves a twisted stomach and is a severe medical emergency.
Students may not be aware of other causes of GDV like rapid ingestion, pica (eating non-food items), or underlying health issues, and may only believe that it is due to eating too much.