Understanding Canine Bloat

Canine bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a serious health problem, especially for larger breeds. If you have a dog that is at risk for experiencing bloat, then you should know the signs of the problem and be able to act on the situation.

Normally, bloat affects dogs of larger breeds. Sometimes, though, smaller dogs can be affected. The breeds that experience bloat are often described as being deep-chested. Breeds that have been known to experience bloat include the Afghan, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Saint Bernard, and the Doberman Pincher.

Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with air, hence the word dilatation. The term volvulus means the stomach has twisted longitudinally. The twisting occurs after the stomach has filled with air. Once the twisting occurs, nothing is able to escape from the stomach, including gas and food. The stomach continues to fill with gas, interrupting circulation. This leads to several life-threatening problems such as decreased blood flow to and from the heart and a cut off blood supply to the spleen. Without receiving an adequate amount of blood, the cells in the stomach begin to die. Since the food cannot be removed from the stomach, toxins from the food begin to build in the stomach. If not taken care of immediately, the dog can experience heart failure and die.

Bloat can cause intense abdominal pain, so if your dog is pacing the floor and seems to be experiencing pain, then this could be a sign of bloat. Often, the enlarged stomach will cause the abdomen to swell; you may be able to see or feel this. Other signs include retching or attempting to vomit or defecate with no success. Excessive drooling is also a sign of bloat.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering, then you need to take him to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Have someone call for you to alert the center of your arrival. Once there, the vet will perform tests to make sure that bloat is actually occurring. Your vet may puncture the stomach to release the air or insert a stomach tube to remove the contents. If these methods are unsuccessful or if the stomach is twisted, then your dog will have to undergo surgery. The stomach will be placed back into a normal position. Your vet may also give you the option of gastropexy –anchoring down the stomach. Gastropexy is a way to keep the stomach in place to prevent a future twist. Once the problem has been taken care of, then your dog may have to stay in the center for a few days. There, he will be monitored while he heals. The procedures for bloat can be fairly expensive, so be prepared for a big veterinarian bill.

The causes of bloat are still unknown, but there are a couple of theories. Many point to the fact that large dogs often gulp their food. While gulping, large amounts of air are also taken into the stomach. If after eating the dog partakes in strenuous exercise, then the stomach may flip. Other theories suggest that the problem is hereditary, since it is found in certain breeds.

If you have a breed that is susceptible to the bloat or if your pooch has experienced dilatation, then you may want to take preventative measures before a problem arises. Many owners decide to take their pooches in for a gastropexy before the stomach has a chance to flip. Although the hereditary aspect has not been proven, it is a good idea not to breed dogs that have bloat problems. Other preventative measures include food and water intake. Some veterinarians suggest feeding your pet two (instead of one) meals per day, and have him wait at least an hour after consumption before participating in vigorous exercise.

Bloat is a canine emergency. If left untreated, your dog will not live through the problem. For this reason, it is important that you are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of bloat. If your pooch is experiencing these symptoms, then you should get him to an emergency veterinarian immediately. You vet may be able to relieve the problem without surgery, but surgery is often needed. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent future bloating problems.