They often died. Now, 30 years later, bloat still kills about 30 percent of the dogs it affects, even after extremely intensive treatment. Read on for common questions about bloat and new perspectives on prevention.
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV complex, is a medical and surgical emergency. As the stomach fills with air, pressure builds, stopping blood from the hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart.
Blood pools at the back end of the body, reducing the working blood volume and sending the dog into shock. As the stomach flips, it drags the spleen and pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. The oxygen-starved pancreas produces some very toxic hormones. One, in particular, targets the heart and stops it cold. In fact, a dog can go through successful treatment and seem to be out of danger, when suddenly the heart stops. Without treatment, in only an hour or two, your dog will likely go into shock.
The heart rate will rise and the pulse will get weaker, leading to death. This question has perplexed veterinarians since they first identified the disease. We know air accumulates in the stomach dilatation , and the stomach twists the volvulus part. Veterinarians start by treating the shock.
We do two procedures. One is to deflate the stomach and turn it back to its correct position. Bloat is a very scary and life threatening condition and it is better to try and prevent it rather than to treat it after it occurs. She completed her internship at Friendship before joining us as a full-time staff veterinarian. Boone works in our Primary Care and Surgery departments. Friendship provides state of the art, comprehensive services for our clients and patients. But, more than that, we provide a caring team who understand the unique human-animal bond.
View Our Services. What is Bloat? Who can get Bloat? Is this an emergency? How is it treated? This complication, known as volvulus, can cut off blood flow to the digestive organs, allowing critical tissues to die and putting your dog into a state of life-threatening shock. Gastric dilatation and volvulus can cause death in minutes without emergency intervention. Even if your dog does not have a twisted stomach, the expansion from the bloat can endanger its life.
A case of simple gastric dilatation may produce all the classic symptoms of a stomachache. Your dog may pant, drool, pace restlessly, and try to vomit without success. However, you will probably notice that your dog's abdomen has also become distended, a sign that gas, food, and liquids have become trapped.
As your pet's condition progresses to volvulus, the symptoms may become even more alarming. Your pet may show signs of shock such as pale gums, breathlessness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Veterinarians can diagnose gastric dilatation and volvulus quickly and easily, not only by observing the obvious physical symptoms but also by taking X-ray images of the digestive organs. Your veterinarian may also tap at the swollen abdomen, listening for a hollow sound that confirms the presence of bloat. In a case of bloat that doesn't involve a twisted stomach, the first treatment priority involves relieving stomach pressure. The veterinarian can often achieve this goal by placing a tube down the dog's throat and into the stomach, permitting gases to ventilate.
If the stomach has enlarged to the point that the entrance to it has become closed off, the veterinarian can relieve stomach pressure through other means. For example, your veterinarian may insert a needle into your pet's stomach to draw out accumulated gas or fluids.
If your dog has a twisted stomach, it will most likely need emergency surgery to correct the problem. The veterinarian will enter the abdominal cavity, undo the rotation, and check the surrounding tissues and blood vessels for damage.
A procedure called gastropexy then anchors the stomach's position so it can't rotate. Your dog doesn't have to undergo major surgery, endure emergency treatment, or experience the agonies of bloat. You can take several steps to prevent the condition and help your pet enjoy a safer, healthier everyday life.
You may have heard that you should raise the level of your dog's food bowl to discourage bloat. However, research indicates that this strategy not only fails to prevent bloat but may even promote it in animals at risk for the condition. Instead of elevating your dog's food bowl, focus on serving the right kinds of food in a healthy manner. Serve a mix of dry and wet foods, emphasizing proteins over carbohydrates and additives. Serve small portions over multiple meals instead of one giant meal per day.
Avoid yeast or other gas-producing ingredients. Another gas-reducing strategy involves feeding your dog a probiotic diet or probiotic supplements, which aid in digestion. You might even consider giving your dog an over-the-counter anti-gas medication. Ask your veterinarian about specific products and dosages. Control your dog's activity level at mealtimes. If you change his diet, introduce new foods gradually rather than making an instant switch. Some vets recommend tacking the stomach in place for breeds prone to bloat, at the same time as a spay or neuter surgery.
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. Share It. Bloat Formally known as gastric dilatation, bloat occurs when a dog's stomach fills up with gas and food.
Symptoms The abdomen of a dog suffering from bloat will usually swell and become sensitive to touch. Affected Breeds Any dog can suffer from bloat, but large breeds with deep chests are more often affected. Treatment Even if he's quickly transported to an emergency vet, a dog might not survive bloat.
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