What is “Bloat” in Dogs?

Hello Pup Friends,

I have come across many dog owners who are not aware of what bloat is in dogs.  I thought I would take this opportunity to explain this deadly health risk.  Unfortunately, one of my dogs, years ago, experienced this horror and I am so glad that our family knew about bloat.  We were able to get him to the vet immediately for emergency surgery.  Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is when the there is an “abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach (“gastric dilatation”).”  The best way it was explained to me was to think of the stomach as a balloon filling up with air and the end is twisted.  As it fills up and up and up, it has no place to go.  Eventually what will happen…it will burst.  If bloat occurs, a dog has very limited time.  If they do not get to the veterinarian immediately they will die.  I am going to continue to explain bloat, but I am going to quote a site I learned about many years ago.  They explained bloat very well and I feel it is best to use their words.  The site is indicated at the end of this post.

“The technical name for bloat is “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus” (GDV).  Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present).  It usually happens when there’s an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach (gastric dilatation).  Stress can be a significant contributing factor also.  Bloat can occur with or without “volvulus” (twisting).  As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90 to 360 degrees, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine).  The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach.  The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.  The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.”

Bloat tends to occur in dogs that have deep-chest cavities such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Dobermans, and other breeds as well.  As I mentioned earlier, I had a dog, an Irish Setter, who experienced bloat.  There are some symptoms and warning signs that tell you that something “just isn’t right”.  If your dog is trying to vomit but can’t for a period of time, or is showing a lot of anxiety and discomfort, or if he/she is panting/drooling, or if he/she is just not acting like them self.  Maybe they decide to go and lay in a closet (and they never normally do that) – that was one of the things that my dog did.  Also, feel the stomach – if it feels tight, gas may be filling up the stomach.  There are many symptoms, but the bottom line is, if something doesn’t seem right, get your dog to the vet immediately – you may have just minutes.  We were fortunate enough to get to the vet in the middle of the night and have emergency surgery performed on our Bailey…and yes, he lived.  They removed the “bad” part of the intestine that was all twisted up and then tacked down his stomach so that it would not twist again.  The only future side effect from the surgery was burping and gas, but that was a small price to pay.

The possible causes of bloat could be related to stress, eating habits, exercise, heredity, physical characteristics, and disposition.  The site below list some possible causes that has helped me to better understand bloat and to help me approach feeding and exercise differently with my dogs today.  The site also indicates additional possible ways to prevent bloat and a list of breeds that tend to be affected.

After talking with veterinarians in the past, I have learned that there are different “schools of thought” regarding the causes and prevention of bloat.  There doesn’t seem to be a clear cut answer in this area; however, I feel that many of the items listed in this website can’t hurt and are worth incorporating into your daily routines/feeding/lifestyle.  If you have any questions, please consult your veterinarian.  This information is not meant to replace the advice from your vet.  If you feel that your dog may be experiencing bloat – get your dog to the vet immediately.  For more information on bloat, visit the following website:

  http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

Any thoughts? Please comment below.

-Miss Paws