Dog health -Bloat - know the symptoms

As some may remember last year my Bentley went through bloat and I write this today even though bloat can happen at any time, because with the fast approaching warmer weather comes the threat of thunderstorms and with thunderstorms for some dogs comes the threat of anxiety or panic. If the dog hides in the closet or the tub and doesn’t move much during a storm, chances are bloat will not be an issue. However if your large breed dog is like Bentley who will run the yard wildly, constantly bark and move about getting overheated from the anxiety, then start drinking water quickly to compensate for the overheating , there is the threat that the dog will take extra air , fluid, or foam into the stomach which cannot be expelled properly. Bloat , a twisting of the intestines , restricts any emptying of the belly which means the dog cannot vomit, or burp to relieve the gas buildup. You will see the stomach start to swell and feel hard, the dog will be dry heaving (classic sign), the dog may not respond to you when you call the name, excessive drooling, breathing problems ,restlessness , pacing, and discomfort will occur. All of the above signs together need immediate care so call the vet on your way there and tell them you think your dog is bloating so they can be prepared for your arrival. Bloat can take your dog’s life in a matter of hours.

Bentley was indeed lucky to have come out unscathed as luck was on his side. Initially I was due to leave for a meeting when this happened and because I was knowledgeable enough to know what symptoms to look for and recognized them as soon as they started his life was spared. Had I not been home he probably would not have made it through.

Factors of bloat

1)The age of the dog can play a part in bloat, normally dogs that are five years or older,
2) hereditary factors are also concern,
3) feed smaller meals twice a day instead of one big meal a day.
4) It used to be thought that elevating the food dishes would help prevent bloat but this has recently been disproved by the Cornell study.
5)Do not exercise the dog 1/2 to 1 hour before or after feeding
and do not allow large intakes of water before and after a meal.
6)There are dog bowls that have cylinders in them to prevent a dog from eating too fast which is another cause of bloat so if your guy is a fast eater you may want to invest in one. Until you can get one, placing an unopened can of vegetables in the middle of the dog’s dish can also slow down eating. dog bowls: http://www.brake-fast.net/

There is a way to make a bloat first aid kit , although you must be confident enough to be able to use it. http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm#kit

Here are great sites (video) on recognizing the signs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-AMhcQaGNE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwr9dVEG72w&feature=related

Know Your Dog"s Enemies Part I: Bloat

I think the way I would rate severity of health emergencies is by two criteria:

1. How likely is it to kill my dog
   
   


2. How fast it might kill my dog

Going by these criteria, bloat is right up there on top of the list. It kills readily and it kills fast. And yet not many people know about it or understand this risk.

My friend’s neighbor’s dog is gone. Healthy young Rottweiler, one day he’s there and the next day he’s not.

I would urge you to learn about this health risk, particularly if you have a deep-chested breed. Know what can cause bloat and know the symptoms. Take preventive measures when feeding, watering and exercising your dog.

Bloat in dogs is very different from what we commonly refer to as bloat in humans. It is a very dangerous, life-threatening condition.

Simplified, excessive amounts of food, water, gas, or other substances in the stomach,  expand it way beyond its normal size. This on its own is very painful. The worst part about bloat, however, is that a distended stomach, or one that has been stretched in the past, will often twist from its normal position. This restricts the stomach’s blood supply and also obstructs the exit for the contents, which are now trapped with no way out. This triggers a chain of events that can lead to death within hours.

When a dog’s stomach becomes distended and twists on its axis, the condition is known as Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) in veterinary circles.

Main symptoms of bloat are

• distended (swollen, enlarged) abdomen


• retching (attempts to vomit but nothing coming out)
  
  


• excessive salivating


• other signs of pain and distress
  
  

There is plenty of good information about bloat in dogs out there. Here are some good resources.

http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/dog-health-conditions/dog-bloat-treatment/prevention.html
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=672
http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bloat.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402 

Please check out the above links, they have good detailed information on risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment.

Know your dog’s enemies, know bloat.

Jana

What every dog owner should know about Bloat

When bloat occurs, the dog’s stomach fills with air, fluid and/or food. The enlarged stomach puts pressure on other organs, can cause difficulty breathing, and eventually may decrease blood supply to a dog’s vital organs.

People often use the word “bloat” to refer to a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), gastric torsion and twisted stomach. This condition can cause rapid clinical signs and death in several hours. Even with immediate treatment, approximately 25% to 40% of dogs die from this medical emergency.

What Are the General Symptoms of Bloat/GDV in Dogs?

• Distended abdomen


• Unsuccessful attempts to belch or vomit


• Retching without producing anything


• Weakness


• Excessive salivation


• Shortness of breath


• Cold body temperature


• Pale gums


• Rapid heartbeat


• Collapse

What Causes Bloat in Dogs?

The exact cause is currently unknown. Certain risk factors include: rapid eating, eating one large meal daily, dry food-only diet, overeating, over drinking, heavy exercise after eating, fearful temperament, stress, trauma and abnormal gastric motility or hormone secretion.

What Causes GDV in Dogs?

The exact cause is currently unknown.

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Bloat?

Bring your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Timeliness of treatment is paramount, since a dog exhibiting signs of bloat may actually have GDV, which is fatal if not promptly treated.

How Is Bloat Treated?

Depending on your dog’s condition, a veterinarian may take an X-ray of the abdomen to assess the stomach’s position. The vet may try to decompress the stomach and relieve gas and fluid pressure by inserting a tube down the esophagus.

How Is GDV Treated?

If the stomach has rotated, emergency surgery is necessary to correct torsion. There are many complications that can occur both during and after surgery, including heart damage, infection and shock; intensive post-operative monitoring for several days is routine. Most vets will recommend that during this surgery, the dog’s stomach be permanently attached to the side of the abdominal cavity in order to prevent future episodes.

Are Certain Breeds Prone to Bloat/GDV?

Most dogs love to overeat if given the opportunity, so any dog, from a Greyhound to a Chihuahua, can get bloat.

However, it is very rare for dogs that are not large, deep-chested breeds to be struck with GDV. This condition most often afflicts those dogs whose chests present a higher depth-to-width ratio. In other words, their chests are long (from backbone to sternum) rather than wide. Such breeds include Saint Bernards, Akitas, Irish Setters, Boxers, Basset Hounds, Great Danes, Weimaraners and German Shepherds.

How Can I Prevent Bloat/GDV?

• Feed your dog several small meals, rather than one or two larger ones, throughout the day to avoid eating too much or too fast.


• If appropriate (check with your vet), include canned food in your dog’s diet.


• Maintain your dog’s appropriate weight.


• Avoid feeding your dog from a raised bowl unless advised to do so by your vet.


• Encourage normal water consumption.


• Limit rigorous exercise at least one hour before and after meals.


• Purchase a compartment bowl.  It will slow down their eating.

Portions of this article courtesy of the ASPCA.  For more information go to http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/bloat