Bloat In Dogs |

Bloat in dogs is considered probably one of the direst veterinary emergencies. Few other diseases can take a seemingly healthy dog down quicker or with more potential to be fatal. Also known as gastric-dilatation-volvulus, the stomach bloats with gas or food, stretching to many times its normal size. This alone is uncomfortable, but the danger lies in the fact that this bloated stomach has the tendency to rotate – the “volvulus” part of the name.

Think of a bloated stomach as an inflated balloon. Before making a knot to seal the balloon, you first twist the end so no air leaks out. The twisting that occurs in the stomach not only blocks any exit for gas, it also cuts off bloody supply. The bloated stomach may also be compressing major blood vessels, interfering with the blood supply to the heart. Once blood flow is affected, the condition becomes life-threatening, and affected dogs can die in a matter of hours.

Signs and symptoms

Since GDV (gastric-dilatation-volvulus) can progress really rapidly, knowing the symptoms is very important:

• Nausea with retching, but unable to bring anything up


• A distended abdomen


• Significant abdominal pain, leading to the pet not eating and acting withdrawn


• Restlessness, pacing and drooling

Diagnosis

Because obvious symptoms are not always present in bloat cases, if you notice any change in your dog, it’s important to visit your vet immediately. Your vet can quickly assess if bloat is occurring with a few methods. A physical exam may reveal a distended abdomen, although X-rays may be necessary to confirm diagnosis. The dog’s breed and known history will also be taken into consideration.

Treatment

Bloat in dogs can be easily stabilized by a veterinarian with the following steps:

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  Stomach decompression: A tube passed into the stomach will allow trapped air to escape, shrinking the stomach and helping to restore normal blood flow to the stomach and heart.


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  Counteracting shock: Your dog will be started on rapid intravenous fluids, often getting IV catheters in both front legs. Antibiotics and pain medications may also be given intravenously.


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  Monitoring for cardiac abnormalities: Dogs who present with bloat are prone to heart rhythm disturbances called premature ventricular contractions. Medications are often needed to stabilize abnormal heart rhythms.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, bloat in dogs can occur more often in a lifetime, so surgery is recommended in most cases. Once stable, your dog should undergo a gastropexy procedure, in which the stomach is tacked down so it cannot rotate on itself again.

During surgery, your veterinarian can also assess any damage done to the spleen or other organs during the bloat episode. With surgery, your dog is in for an extended stay in the hospital and a hefty bill, which is where a dog health insurance comes in.

If your dog hasn’t yet had a problem but is deep-chested or otherwise high-risk for bloat, talk to your veterinarian about a preventative gastropexy. The procedure can be done during a young dog’s spay or neuter surgery, and may prove to be a lifesaver to both your dog and your wallet.