‘Bloating’ is a condition most of us are unaware of, but can prove fatal for our paw pals if they are not treated properly. This aliment is characterized by a ‘distended’ or ‘dilated’ stomach. Also called ‘gastric torsion’ or ‘volvulus’ in dogs, ‘bloating’ is caused by accumulation of gas and heavy food materials in the stomach. Although it can affect any dog, larger breeds like the Great Dane and Bloodhound are more susceptible.
The onset of the disease is followed by a large meal. But how would you know your dog has a bloated stomach, because sometimes the distension is not distinctly noticeable and the problem compounds in the event of limited information. So, what are the common symptoms you should look for in your buddy?
- Breathlessness
- Salivation
- Irritation
- Failure in vomiting attempts
- Drooling
- General discomfiture
- Weak pulse
- Depression
What actually happens is that the distended stomach restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby causing decrease in blood pressure. Due to the poor supply of blood, deprived tissues begin to die releasing toxins into the blood stream. This causes instant death.
However, this disease is very easy to detect. When you take your pet to the doctor, his immediate course of action is to remove the accumulated gas from the stomach. The doctor then proceeds for shock treatment. The vet performs a gastropexy in which the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. This prevents the recurrence of the disease.
In order to help your vet tide over this crisis, good post operative care is imperative. Otherwise, it can give rise to life endangering risks like electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) and septicemia (infection).
How can you prevent bloating?
Even if you cannot eliminate the chances completely, you can of course prevent it by following certain simple steps like
- Not overfeeding your doggy
- Not exercising him before or after meals
- Giving him clean fresh water to drink
Sound health breeds happiness. So, keep your buddy in the pink of health so that happiness and well being co-exist in your household all the time.
