Canine Bloat

..... aka Gastric Torsion or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus/GDV

Canine bloat is an extremely serious and life-threatening condition, which usually appears suddenly and progresses very quickly - often with, tragically, fatal results.

It tends to strike large and extra-large breed dogs, such as Rottweilers, more than it does medium or small breeds. However, no breed is 'immune'..

Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of bloat in dogs, and knowing what to do next, could literally mean the difference between life and death if your dog falls victim to this condition.

Perhaps you think this sounds a bit 'melodramatic' or that I'm exaggerating... but I'm not! Canine Bloat, also known as Gastric Torsion (or simply 'Torsion'), 'twisted stomach', Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV, is one of the most dangerous canine health conditions.

Affected dogs can die within hours, and how fast you recognize the problem and get the right help for your dog is the biggest factor in determining whether your dog survives or not. However, even with immediate treatment, around 1/4 of all dogs who 'bloat' may die.

What Is Canine Bloat?

• GASTRIC - meaning 'of the stomach'
• DILATATION - meaning 'to become wider' or to 'distend'
• VOLVULUS - meaning 'abnormal twisting of the intestine'

Basically what happens in canine bloat is that the stomach becomes distended, or swollen, because of the build up of too much gas. The size of the stomach, then puts pressure on the diaphragm and other organs, including the heart, blood pressure drops and blood flow is restricted or cut off in some cases.

This alone can cause the dog to go into shock, or cause cell death in the stomach/digestive system. But it gets worse.

It most cases, the stomach then twists or rotates on itself, closing off the connection between the esophagus and the stomach. This means that food, water and gas trapped inside the stomach with no way out, and the gas keeps expanding.

If canine bloat is left untreated there are several potentially fatal results, including a ruptured stomach, irreversible cell damage, shock or cardiac arrest.

What's even more frightening is that all this happens within the space of a few hours.

The Causes of Canine Bloat?

The most common 'risk factors' that veterinarians and researchers have identified in dogs, and these include...

• Being a large, extra-large or giant breed dog
• Having a 'deep' chest (eg Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Setters, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards etc.)
• A 'family history' of bloat, ie there is believed to be a genetic component involved
• Being 7 years old or older
• Being male
• Being anxious, aggressive, fearful, nervous or excitable by nature. Or who has experienced a lot of stress.
• Dogs that eat much too fast (practically 'inhaling' their food)
• Exercising vigorously either right before, or right after, eating
• Eating one big meal per day, rather than 2 smaller ones
• An inadequate or inappropriate diet, eg poor quality foods, or those with a very high grain (or carbohydrate) content.
• Drinking a lot of water right before, or right after, eating

The more 'risk factors' your dog has, the greater his chances of developing bloat at some point, and the more important it is for you to keep a close eye on him and be aware of the symptoms of bloat in dogs.

Symptoms of Canine Bloat

Unfortunately there's no one-size-fits-all picture of a dog who is 'bloating', but there are several symptoms that are usually seen, and if your dog shows any of them, immediate veterinary attention is needed.

Here are the most common symptoms of canine bloat....

• Your dog will be in a lot of pain, and this may show up as continuous restlessness, pacing, whining, panting, or drooling.
• Repeated attempts at retching or vomiting (without actually being able to bring up more than foam/mucus))
• Constipation-type symptoms and your dog may try to poop but be unable to
• An inability to get 'comfortable' or to lie down. Related to first point above
• A distended or swollen stomach may be visible, but not always
• Eventually your dog may have difficulty breathing, walking or even standing

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't waste a second wondering what to do - get your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic or hospital IMMEDIATELY. Minutes, even seconds, count here.

Preventing and Treating Canine Bloat

While there's no sure-fire way to prevent your dog from getting bloat, there are some things that you can do to help minimize his/her risks.

Although you can't (and won't want to!) change your dogs' breed, genetic makeup, size or age, you can make sure that you avoid some of the environmental/behavioral risk factors mentioned above.

Diet and Canine Bloat

What you feed your dog, and how you feed it, can increase or decrease the risk of him falling victim to canine bloat. Here are a few points that are worth considering..

• Feed your dog two smaller meals a day, rather than one big one
• Only feed a premium dog food that is appropriate for you dogs breed and age
• Avoid poor quality dog foods, and those contain cheap grains or an excessive amount of grain or carbohydrates
• Make sure he doesn't run around like a crazy-dog or go for a long strenuous walk for at least an hour before, and after, eating
• Don't allow him to gobble down his food as though he hasn't seen a meal for a week, or drink a gallon of water at mealtimes
• If you have several dogs, feed them separately to prevent food 'guarding' or 'guzzling'
• Although there's no firm evidence of this, studies seem to suggest that using elevated feed bowls can increase the chances of bloat in dogs.
• Add Probiotics and Nzymes (or choose a food that contains them) to your dogs diet to help maintain a healthy digestive system

Stress and Canine Bloat

By reducing the levels of anxiety and stress your dog experiences, you can help his immune system stay strong and keep his digestive system working properly.

Ways to help reduce canine stress and anxiety include...

• Make sure he gets plenty of exercise and stimulation (both mental and physical)
• Give him lots of sturdy chew toys to play with (dogs chew as a way of relieving anxiety and stress)
• Keep his environment as calm and orderely as possible. Routine is important to dogs.
• Avoid food 'guarding' or food-based aggression by feeding dogs separately from other pets.
• Neuter or spay your dog to help prevent any tendency towards aggression or anxiousness

The Treatment Of Canine Bloat

At the first sign of bloat, your dog needs veterinary attention - immediately. If it's after hours, go directly to an emergency pet hospital. There is no time for a 'wait and see' attitude when you're facing possible canine bloat!

Veterinary treatment for bloat depends on whether your dog has experience dilatation or dilatation and volvulus, but only a professional can make an accurate diagnosis.

Initial treatment is usually made to try to relieve the pressure in the stomach, and to give fluids and medications (possibly antibiotics or painkillers) by IV.

Once the dog is stable, surgery is usually performed to try to 'turn' the stomach back into the correct position. This relieves the pressure and then if there has been any cell damage that is treated. A couple of stitches, or staples, may be used to help the dogs' stomach stay in the righ position in the future.

Because canine bloat is so serious, and there is still the possibility of cardiac symptoms, most dogs will need to be kept at the clinic for at least 24 hours and needs to be closely monitored for several more days.

If your dog does have an episode of bloat, and survives, he is at a greater risk for having a second episode (even if he's had surgery to 'hold' his stomach in place).

Always keep a close eye on a dog who's experienced this condition, be hyper-aware of the symptoms, and get veterinary attention if you are even a little bit concerned. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Search here for more information on Rottweilers or anything else you want to know about this breed........

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