Maisie wants to share the important information on Bloat that all dog owners should know!
What is GDV?
- better known as Bloat is a serious health risk for any dog - It is a condition in which the stomach greatly enlarges and then twists on itself. It is a life threatening emergency and it seen mostly in larger breeds with broad chests such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernard’s, Wolfhounds and Setters, but can also occur in smaller and medium size dogs.
What causes Bloat?
For reasons that are not well understood unfortunately, gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times larger than its normal size and it turns more than 180 degrees on its longitudinal axis. This seals off both the entry and exit from the stomach, this then causes the spleen to swell which puts pressure on the major vein bringing blood back to the heart from the lower body. Many damaging events follow, including the release of toxins from the dying stomach lining and heart dysfunction. Without immediate care the dog goes into shock and dies.
It is still unsure what causes this to happen to a dog, there are many theories. Some factors may include feeding large meals of dry food followed by exercise, abrupt change in diet, drinking a large amount of water after eating and quick gulping on food. Other causes such as grass eating and lack of bulk in the diet have been suggested, but nothing has been proven.
What are the signs of Bloat?
Since the dog is in extreme pain you will signs of restlessness including pacing, panting or rapid breathing and reluctance to settle. They may assume a ‘praying’ position where the front legs are stretched out along the ground and the hindquarters elevated. The dog will attempt to vomit and sometimes bring up foam or saliva. The stomach and abdomen will be hard to touch and with time they will become lethargic and the gums will become pale.
How is Bloat treated?
Vets will give the dog intravenous fluids to help combat shock, infection and pain. An attempt will be made to pass a stomach tube, if the entry to the stomach in entirely blocked the tube will relieve gas build up and the stomach can be emptied. An X- Ray can be done after this. After treatment a decision can be made about surgery to avoid this reoccurring again, the rate of this happening again is as high as 75%
If the stomach tube cannot be passed surgery must be performed to relieve the pressure in the stomach and the swollen spleen. Any parts that are permanently damaged must be removed. A gastropexy is then performed which permanently fixes the stomach in its correct anatomical position. Although this is not always successful, this greatly reduces the likelihood of re occurrence.
Unfortunately GDV is expensive to treat due to the extensive care and surgery. It is highly risky due to the effects that shock have on the body and some cases are fatal, despite the best vet care.
How can I reduce the risks for my dog?
It is recommended to feed breeds at risk, larger dogs with broad chests, 2, 3 or up to 5 smaller meals a day rather than one large one. Also best not to allow vigorous exercise 2 hours before or after eating. If you have multiple dogs it is best to feed them separately, this will discourage fast gulping. Make any dietary changes gradually and it’s best to feed with the food bowl elevated. Ensure you have access to vet on duty at all times and keep yourself familiar with the signs of bloat. At any point that you are concerned it’s best to seek vet treatment as soon as possible rather than risk the development of GDV.
This excellent information written by Dr.Julia Adams
- better known as Bloat is a serious health risk for any dog - It is a condition in which the stomach greatly enlarges and then twists on itself. It is a life threatening emergency and it seen mostly in larger breeds with broad chests such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernard’s, Wolfhounds and Setters, but can also occur in smaller and medium size dogs.
What causes Bloat?
For reasons that are not well understood unfortunately, gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times larger than its normal size and it turns more than 180 degrees on its longitudinal axis. This seals off both the entry and exit from the stomach, this then causes the spleen to swell which puts pressure on the major vein bringing blood back to the heart from the lower body. Many damaging events follow, including the release of toxins from the dying stomach lining and heart dysfunction. Without immediate care the dog goes into shock and dies.
It is still unsure what causes this to happen to a dog, there are many theories. Some factors may include feeding large meals of dry food followed by exercise, abrupt change in diet, drinking a large amount of water after eating and quick gulping on food. Other causes such as grass eating and lack of bulk in the diet have been suggested, but nothing has been proven.
What are the signs of Bloat?
Since the dog is in extreme pain you will signs of restlessness including pacing, panting or rapid breathing and reluctance to settle. They may assume a ‘praying’ position where the front legs are stretched out along the ground and the hindquarters elevated. The dog will attempt to vomit and sometimes bring up foam or saliva. The stomach and abdomen will be hard to touch and with time they will become lethargic and the gums will become pale.
How is Bloat treated?
Vets will give the dog intravenous fluids to help combat shock, infection and pain. An attempt will be made to pass a stomach tube, if the entry to the stomach in entirely blocked the tube will relieve gas build up and the stomach can be emptied. An X- Ray can be done after this. After treatment a decision can be made about surgery to avoid this reoccurring again, the rate of this happening again is as high as 75%
If the stomach tube cannot be passed surgery must be performed to relieve the pressure in the stomach and the swollen spleen. Any parts that are permanently damaged must be removed. A gastropexy is then performed which permanently fixes the stomach in its correct anatomical position. Although this is not always successful, this greatly reduces the likelihood of re occurrence.
Unfortunately GDV is expensive to treat due to the extensive care and surgery. It is highly risky due to the effects that shock have on the body and some cases are fatal, despite the best vet care.
How can I reduce the risks for my dog?
It is recommended to feed breeds at risk, larger dogs with broad chests, 2, 3 or up to 5 smaller meals a day rather than one large one. Also best not to allow vigorous exercise 2 hours before or after eating. If you have multiple dogs it is best to feed them separately, this will discourage fast gulping. Make any dietary changes gradually and it’s best to feed with the food bowl elevated. Ensure you have access to vet on duty at all times and keep yourself familiar with the signs of bloat. At any point that you are concerned it’s best to seek vet treatment as soon as possible rather than risk the development of GDV.
This excellent information written by Dr.Julia Adams
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