What primary, life-threatening condition affecting Great Danes involves the stomach twisting in the deep chest cavity?
Answer
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV)
The most immediate and primary threat to the life of a Great Dane is Bloat, medically termed Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV. This emergency arises because the breed possesses a deep chest cavity, which allows excessive room for the stomach to potentially twist upon itself. This twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach tissue, creating a fatal situation that necessitates immediate surgical intervention. Owners are advised to exercise extreme caution around mealtimes and may consider prophylactic gastropexy surgery to help secure the stomach.
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