Melbourne's Most Loved Dog Kennel
Your Dogs, Our Family!
  • Home
  • What We Offer
    • Premium Accommodations
    • Luxury Accommodations
    • Doggy Day Care
    • Advanced Medical and Rehabilitation Care
    • Smorgasboard
    • Boarding Requirements
    • Boarding Rates
    • K9 Kab - Pick Up & Delivery Service
    • Take a Tour
  • About Us
    • Downloads
  • Gallery
  • Testimonials
  • Reservations
    • Boarding Guests - New Friends
    • Boarding Guests - Previous Guests
    • Doggy Day Care - New Friends
    • Doggy Day Care - Previous Guests
  • Contact Us
    • FAQs
    • Links
  • Blog

A note from Maisie - for all Dog Owner's to read!

21/7/2017

0 Comments

 

Maisie wants to share the important information on Bloat that all dog owners should know!

Picture
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
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Doggy Bloggers

    Our Blog contributions come from our Doggy Doaters who have a wealth of knowledge & experience.  From time to time we will also be sharing information from other sources that we think will benefit you or make you smile!
    If you have something dog related we would love to hear from you!

    Categories

    All
    Dog Breeds
    Doggy Quotes
    Doggy Videos
    Doggy-videos
    Dog Health
    Dog Health
    Dog Of The Month
    Dog Of The Month
    Dog Photos
    Gemma Froddo
    Other
    Travel Tuesday Holiday Location Ideas
    Travel Tuesday - Holiday Location Ideas

    Archives

    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    RSS Feed

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9am to 5pm, Saturday - 9am to 12noon, Sunday - 1pm - 4pm and Wednesday our office is Closed. 
Please see our calendar for Public Holiday Office Hours.

15 Sumner Rd, Baxter 3911        Phn 03 5971 1127
Copyright 2013

Picture