Here's how the vet explained it:
Obviously that is his spine running along the top. His head is on the left. The black empty cavity on the left is the upper chest/lungs. The spongy-looking blob to the right of that is the stomach. The squiggly black blob at the top of the stomach, right under the spine, is... his small intestine.

The small intestine is supposed to be on the right, below the stomach, with the rest of the small intestine. So that's one concern, that the intestine has moved and/or that the stomach is flipped over. But the vet doesn't think that's a big concern and it might have had to do with how the dog was lying down for the image (i.e. he doesn't think this image is necessarily indicative of bloat or a serious problem).

The bigger concern is the bottom right. The big black blob on the bottom right is another part of his small intestine. It's distended. Hard to see in the picture but it looks like there might be a backup of kibble in there. He's blocked up (we think).

So we're going back into the vet tomorrow AM to take more xrays and do an ultrasound to confirm whether there's a blockage, and where it is. Also to see whether it looks like it's moving, or if not, to cut him open (hopefully just arthroscopy) and get the obstruction out. They would also tack the stomach while they're in there.

I am nervous and anxious and worried about this guy Keeping a really really close eye on him tonight and taking him back in first thing tomorrow AM when their imaging dept is open.

Good luck, that is scary. hopefully it won't be serious

That sucks!

Good luck tomorrow, you guys! Be sure to fill us in as soon as you can.

Good luck you two, I wish you the best!

What are your dog's symptoms?

He was vomiting up his meals several hours after eating them for a couple days, which prompted the initial vet visit. No other symptoms of any kind. Still energetic, still peeing fine and even pooping some (so some stuff was staying down and getting through to the other side).

Took him this afternoon for ultrasound. Apparently there is nothing wrong with him. The blockage on the bottom right-- which I just realized doesn't show up on this page due to width constraints-- appears to have been eliminated (no pun intended). So either he had a blockage but it passed, or there was no blockage.
Plus two different doctors told me the little bit of small intestine up above the stomach is pretty normal and not cause for concern. Basically described these large breeds as "cavernous" inside the chest cavity and abdomen, with loads of room for the guts to move around.


So I am breathing a sigh of relief here. Coulda been much worse. On the other hand, I am a little grumpy with this guy because he basically just gobbled up $700 of my money. /sigh

The trouble with having fancy imaging equipment is you tend to use it -- and then if you find nothing, you look like a jerk.
OTOH it could have been an intussception or a foreign body or even a tumor, and early diagnosis could have been life saving. So, what are you going to do? In the old days, they'd have waited three days then opened him up.
This is why health costs for people keep rising IMO. Who wants to "wait and see" with their loved ones? Not many. Folks want answers.
Glad it turned out ok

Whew! You are so right that it could have been much much worse!

No that I finally figured out how to log on, I can offer my sympathy for the stress you've been under. I am so glad it turns out to be non life threatening. Is he still vomiting after meals? Did the vet have any suggestions for the vomiting or the 'cavernous' confirmation? ie: diet and or exercise changes

I do hope all continues to go well for you both.
Taks care!