Canine Bloat

                   

 

What is Canine Bloat?

 

Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach.

 

Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the

complications of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer.The exact cause of bloat is still unknown. Generally, it is believed that excessive eating and drinking of water followed by exercise can cause bloat.

 

It is thought that exercise causes food or fluid in the stomach to cause a build up of gas. The severity of the conditions is more serious when the stomach twists upon itself within the abdomen in a clockwise rotation causing the inlet and outlet of the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply the stomach to become constricted at both ends.

 

As a result, the constriction will cause the stomach tissue to die. In a very short time, the stomach becomes restricted of nutrients and oxygen. If not treated, the dog can die.

What Are the Symptoms of Canine Bloat?

Anxious, restless

Distended abdomen

Attempting to vomit

Excessive drooling

Whining

Pale gums

Increase in heart rate.

Difficult breathing

What Causes Bloat?

 

The stomach becomes filled with gas and because of several possible factors; the dog is unable to relieve the pressure. Bloat, with GDV, is when the stomach goes in to a twist.This closes both the esophagus and pylorus, preventing the dog from relieving the gas pressure which can quickly build up after a large meal. This condition is extremely fatal, causing shock, coma and eventually death. Like many other conditions which affect our dogs, the actual cause of bloat is still unknown.

 

Several factor seem to contribute to a dogs chances of getting bloat

Stress

Eating or drinking too fast.

Exercise before and immediately after eating

Having a large deep chest

Elevated food bowls

Hereditary

Disposition

 

Are All Dogs At Risk of Cannine Bloat?

Canine bloat and GDV usually only effects large breed dogs, but smaller dogs are still susceptible.It is thought that some lines of breeds are genetically at a higher risk.Though bloat can occur in puppies, it is a condition which usually occurs in adult dogs.Furthermore, male dogs are more likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs.

 

Here is a list of some breeds that have a higher chance of being effected by bloat and GDV.

German Shepherd

Great Dane

Standard Poodle

Rottweiler

Akita

Bloodhound

Great Pyrenees

Irish Setter

Old English Sheepdog

Boxer

Golden Retriever

Irish Wolfhound

St. Bernards

Labrador Retriever

Newfoundland

Doberman

 

What Is the Treatment for Dog Bloat?

Canine Bloat

Canine bloat is a very serious problem. If you suspect your dog of having bloat,contact your vet immediately. Every second counts! If caught and diagnosed quick enough, initial treatment will involve inserting a tube or tochar in to the stomach wall to remove the gas. If necessary, the vet will then operate, attempting to untwist the stomach. Secondary treatment will involve treating shock, dehydration, fatigue, and other complications resulting from the distension of the stomach.

Is There Any Way To Prevent Dog Bloat?

Prevention of bloat can be difficult. Because there are so many possible causes for this condition, prevention must be examined on an individual basis. If you have a dog that is at risk there are a couple of things that you can do to decrease the chances of this fatal condition. Since bloat is believed to be connected with genetics and hereditary,these preventive measures can only decrease the chances of bloat.

Do not overfeed.

Feed 2-3 small meals a day.

Do not use elevated food bowls

Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water after eating.

Add an enzyme product to your dogs food

Keep emergency veterinary contact handy

Gastropexy surgery

Consult your veterinarian for more

information about Canine Bloat and GDV and its prevention.