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Canine Bloat
Canine bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus complex) is both a serious
medical condition as well as an emergency in dogs. Almost any breed of
dog can have it occur, however it is most prevalent in the larger
breeds. According to Jerold S. Bell, DVM, canine bloat is the number
one cause of death for several large and giant breeds. Left untreated,
it becomes life threatening within one to two hours. The breeds with
higher than average risk for developing bloat have chests that are deep
and narrow. Some breeds include but are not limited to Bloodhound,
Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Akita, standard Poodle, German Shepherd
and Boxer. Dogs that eat rapidly and then exercise heavily may also be
at an increased risk. (The food-filled stomach acts like a pendulum and
swings back and forth until it twists.)
You may ask, "What causes canine bloat?" It is believed to be caused
by excessive swallowing of air while eating, from gastrointestinal
secretions and from gas from food fermentation in the stomach. Diet
does not seem to play a factor in developing bloat nor does canned vs.
dry food consumption. In gastric dilation, the stomach fills with gas.
The increase pressure compresses both ends of the stomach, preventing
the gas from escaping. Gastric volvulus is where the stomach actually
twists, stopping all inflow and outflow from the stomach which also
causes the stomach gases to become trapped and expand.
In order to identify canine bloat, you should look for the following
signs and symptoms. Typical symptoms include anxiety, evidence of
abdominal fullness after meals, salivating, whining, pacing, getting up
and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, unproductive attempts to
vomit, labored breathing, disinterest in food and stilted gait. More
sever symptoms would include dark red, blue, grey or white gums, a rapid
heartbeat and weak pulse.
At the onset, dogs suffering from bloat are anxious, show no interest
in food or water, and may vomit a couple of times and then retch and gag
which is usually unproductive. After 30-60 minutes, owners notice
swelling in the abdomen due to gas accumulation and the dog will more
often than not pant heavily with their breathing rapid and shallow.
When the stomach actually twists, the condition is rapidly fatal in dogs
causing shock, coma and death within 6-12 hours.
Your vet will try to reduce the gas pressure in the dogs stomach when
treating bloat. This pressure will be removed with a stomach tube or
hypodermic needle through the side of the abdomen. The dog will then be
prepared to exploratory surgery to locate and fix the problem causing
the bloat. Death loss to canine bloat is very high. IF YOU SUSPECT
YOUR DOG MAY BE SHOWING SIGNS CALL YOUR VET AT ONCE FOR INSTRUCTIONS!
Failure to act quickly could cause metabolic poisons to build up in the
dogs system resulting in damage to the stomach wall, liver, spleen and
heart muscle. Post-operative infections also pose a potential threat to
the already weakened system of the dog.
The following are a few tips to follow:
- Feed large breed dogs small amounts of food frequently.
- Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement and stress one hour before
and two hours after feeding and avoid lots of twisting or rolling
play particularly shortly after feeding.
- Ensure that water is always available but limit the amount
immediately after feeding.
- Watch for any behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort.
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