Bloat in Dogs
Gastric dilatation, torsion and volvulus
(GDV) are
medical emergencies where time is of the essence
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Bloat is the common term for a two-part condition.
In gastric dilatation (the GD in GDV), the stomach becomes engorged with gas, fluids and
possibly food. Instead of being its normal sized and pliable self, the stomach becomes
large and taut like a balloon or simply firm like a drum. This can be caused by a
combination of air being swallowed and of gas produced from fermentation in the
stomach. Along with gastric dilatation, the
enlarged stomach may twist. This effect is called torsion or vovulus
(the V in GDV)
depending on how far the stomach twists.
The stomach is cut off from its normal entry and
exit, blood supply is shut off and a host of other conditions may develop
including dehydration, shock, peritonitis, gastric perforation and, quite
commonly, death. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate
veterinary care! Time is extremely important
in the treatment of this potentially fatal condition. This is a
medical emergency and requires immediate care.
Predisposition to Bloat in Dogs
Although the causes of Bloat/GDV are not fully understood, studies do show
increased risk factors in certain dogs.
Size, Breed, Body Shape
Large dogs with narrow, deep chests are more prone to bloat than
medium-sized or small dogs. Briards, Collies, Dobermans, St. Bernards, Leonbergers, Weimaraners,
Borzois, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Setters, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Old
English Sheepdogs, Bloodhounds, Irish Setters, Wolfhounds, German Shepherds and Labradors
are among the breeds most likely to bloat.
Even if your dog is not in the high-risk breed
category, bloat can still occur. It is always important to keep bloat
in mind when your dog is exhibiting unusual behavior.
Age, Family History, Personality
Middle-aged and senior dogs are more prone than
younger dogs as are nervous, high-strung dogs versus calmer dogs.
There also may be a family tendency towards bloat so knowing the experience
of close relatives, siblings and parents, is very helpful.
Possible Causes of and Prevention for Bloat/GDV
Even though the exact causes of Bloat/GDV in dogs are not known, there are
reasonable cautions for exercise, water intake, diet and eating habits.
Separate eating and drinking from exercise
Bloat can happen when a dog combines vigorous exercise with food or water.
Bloat can also happen when your dog swallows large amounts of air or drinks
large amounts of water all at once.
At the least, allow for an hour or two of separation
between vigorous exercise and meals, both before and after. Keep your
dog calm especially before and after meals.
Practice calming exercises
with your dog. Some owners place their dog in a kennel after
meals although whether this is necessary is not known.
Regulate eating and drinking
To be safe, feed your large-breed dog smaller and
more frequent meals spaced throughout the day rather than large meals all at once.
A single, large meal during the day does appear to be a significant risk
factor for bloat.
Consider feeding moist food instead of dry kibble or soak kibble in warm
water before feeding. Kibble that is preserved with citric acid
might exacerbate the problem if it is fed moist so check the ingredients on
the bag before moistening. This idea is controversial.
If you are making your own foods, feed grains like
oats and rice thoroughly moistened. If you are making your own foods
you can also eliminate grains and limit carbohydrate intake to green, leafy
vegetables. Limit water
intake to small quantities spaced throughout the day rather than large
quantities all at once. Limit water intake with meals.
Feed on the floor instead of in a raised bowl.
Encourage your dog to eat more slowly by placing food in muffin tins,
mounding it on a plate and heating it so that your dog must wait for it to
cool or by placing an obstruction such as an upside down plastic flower pot
or rock in the middle of the bowl or plate. You can even feed hand
feed your dog as you cook dinner by dropping small portions into his bowl as
you go.
Ask your veterinarian about gas reducers
Tums and Gas-X may aid in reducing gas. If your dog is at risk for
bloat, ask your veterinarian about the safety, quantity and uses of such
over-the-counter human products.
Symptoms of Bloat
Your dog appears uncomfortable and nervous. He may pace, salivate and
try to vomit but cannot. If you feel his stomach, it may appear
distended and tight like a drum or just somewhat tighter than normal
depending on the progress of the bloat.
These symptoms are not definitive. Some dogs
drink water or vomit froth or slime or pass gas.
As the bloat progresses more severe symptoms appear
including labored breathing, pale gums and collapse. Again, this is a
medical emergency so take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency clinic
immediately.
Treatment for Bloat
With dilatation only, a tube is passed into the stomach to relieve the
pressure. Air and liquid are released and your dog feels immediate
relief. He can be treated for possible infection or dehydration and is
kept off of food and drink for a day or two.
With torsion or volvulus, when the stomach has
twisted and closed itself off surgery is usually required. In some
circumstances, a tube can be passed even if the stomach has already twisted. The stomach and the
spleen are repositioned and parts of both organs that have died from lack of
blood may be removed. The stomach is then sutured to the abdominal
wall (gastropexy) so that it cannot twist again. This is major surgery
and is quite expensive. If you have a dog in the high risk category,
it is worthwhile to ask your veterinarian about the costs and plan ahead.
This type of procedure is usually quite successful
in preventing future incidences of bloat. Without gastropexy, it is
highly likely that your dog will experience another episode of bloat so it is
very important to take precautions.
For some dogs at high risk, a gastropexy is done to
prevent volvulus from happening in the first place. If you have a dog
that is in the high risk category, it is worthwhile to discuss this option
with your veterinarian.
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