Canine Bloat: Gastric Dilation Volvulus

BLOAT:  it appears suddenly, is very serious, and progresses quickly into a life-threatening condition.  Being able to recognize the symptoms of bloat and knowing what immediate actions to take can make the difference between life and death for your dog.  There are also a few things you can do to possibly help avoid this horrible condition from occuring.  Bloat is a condition of the digestive system - in simple terms, the stomach swells with excess fluid, gas, (or both) due to a twisting rotation of the stomach.  The fluid/gas is then unable to leave the stomach.  Meanwhile, major vessels are also compressed, severely affecting the dog's circulation.  This combination leads to shock, coma, and death if not treated quickly.  Even with treatment, a certain percentage of dogs affected by bloat do die.  Initial treatment usually involves an effort to relieve pressure in the stomach, along with the administration of fluids and medications.  Once the dog is stable, surgery is usually performed in an attempt to turn the stomach back into a more "normal" position, where it is then stitched, or stapled to help keep it in place.  Any dog who has had an episode of bloat is at greater risk of suffering bloat again in the future.   There are some symptoms that are usually seen in dogs suffering bloat.  These include: restlessness, panting, whining, pacing, drooling (signs of pain), attempts at vomitting with no results, attempts at defecating with no results, swollen stomach MAY be visible (but not always!), difficulty breathing, walking and standing, excessive heartbeat, off-colored gums.  IF YOU OBSERVE THESE SYMPTOMS GET TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!   There are also risk-factors for bloat.  Large, "deep-chested" dogs are more at risk.  These include (but not limited to) breeds such as:  GSD, Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Rottweiler, Akita, Bloodhound, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Doberman, etc.  Eating/feeding habits also affect bloat risk.  Here is where YOU can make a difference!!  Do what you can to keep your dog from gobbling up large meals.  You can do this by offering 2 smaller meals a day instead of 1 large meal.  Place ice cubes in your dog's food bowl to slow down the eating process (or purchase one of the special bowls now available for this purpose).  If you own multiple dogs, feed them in separate areas to avoid "guzzling".   Other feeding habits to reduce risk: never feed before or after heavy work/play sessions.  Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water after eating.  Feed in a relaxed environment.  If you change your dog's diet, do so gradually.  Feed a QUALITY FOOD: avoid excess grains and carbohydrates.  Consider adding probiotics to your dog's diet to promote healthy digestion.  Also, studies suggest that elevated feeding bowls are NOT the best for your dog.

~Happy Hounding  :)