Bloat in Dogs

[GSDOWNER]

Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. According to the links below, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk. This page provides links to information on bloat and summarizes some of the key points we found in the sites we researched. Although we have summarized information we found about possible symptoms, causes, methods of prevention, and breeds at risk, we cannot attest to the accuracy. Please consult with your veterinarian for medical information.
If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately! Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Notify your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case. Better to be safe than sorry!
The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.
Be prepared! Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated. New
If your regular vet doesn't have 24-hour emergency service, know which nearby vet you would use. Keep the phone number handy.Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas. If you can reduce or slow the gas, you've probably bought yourself a little more time to get to a vet if your dog is bloating.
This information is not intended to replace advice or guidance from veterinarians or other pet care professionals. It is simply being shared as an aid to assist you with your own research on this very serious problem.

information supplied by http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

[LOVEGSD]

I thought I'd bump this thread up as it's a subject we've been talking about since watching Send In The Dogs.

[h.bradshaw]

my brothers dog Ella died of this last week, the vet came out at 5am on a Sunday morning and he put her to sleep. she was 11 and he advised that she would not stand an operation. Ella was a beautiful old english sheepdog and my brothers 'baby'

[LOVEGSD]

I am sorry for your brother's loss, it's such an awful way to lose your baby

[kelpiemad]

Does anyone know what causes bloat to happen
and the symptoms
Michelle

[ilsongirl]

Originally Posted by kelpiemad

Does anyone know what causes bloat to happen
and the symptoms
Michelle

From what I know (and I am no expert!) exercising before and after meals can be a cause of bloat i have also read that dogs that wolf down their food can be more at risk. I have also read that mostening dry food can help as it does not swell so much in the stomach.

[AllyCat]

WHAT IS BLOAT?

The stomach becomes dilated by abnormal amounts of food or gas. For some reason the valve to the oesophagus fails to open and release the surplus air. The food begins to ferment and create more gas. - This progresses to rotation of the stomach on its axis

Bloat or 'Gastric Torsion' (Gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome), is caused by the build up of fluid & gases within the stomach. The accumulation is swift and dramatic, disrupting the normal function of the heart. The reasons leading to the dilation of the stomach are not really known and some theories include the ingestion of large amounts of food and water immediately prior to exercise, air swallowing and obstructions of the stomach outflow, stress and dietary factors.

Research at Liverpool University is at present underway and will include comparing the behavior of stomach muscle in many different breeds, for whilst we know that large breeds, such as ours, are prone to this, many other breeds are also affected. The University will try to determine why some breeds are more susceptible than others are, whilst also trying to identify the coauses and possible remedy of the horrific problem of bloat in our breed.

POSSIBLE CAUSES
A) Stress & abrupt changes certain breed; Giant breeds are commonly affected and there are often familial tendencies, deeper chested dogs tend to have weaker muscles. C) There has to be weakness of the gastric attachments and this usually occurs in the older dog.

MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR VET UNDERSTAND BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO YOU. IF BLOAT IS SUSPECTED YOUR VET MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND AND TO OPERATE WITHIN MINUTES - ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT. He/she should be totally familiar with the symptoms & procedures and fully aware, that to casually dismiss your suspicions and/or an early diagnosis as a false alarm could very easily result in death. Ask your Vet what he/she would do if you rang with any of the symptoms and if you don't think you get a satisfactory answer tell him so, or find a vet that will.

Surgery is major and complicated and the surgical care is intensive and very expensive. (£400 - £600), It is so important that your dog is insured so that you and your vet do not have to be concerned about the costs involved.
__________________________________________________ ___________

BLOAT PHASES AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

PHASE 1
(This phase may last between 1-2 hours. It also may not - DONT DELAY)
SYMPTOMS:
1. Pacing, restless, panting and salivating.
2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 10-20 mins).
3. Abdomen exhibits fullness and beginning to enlarge. (This includes expansion of the front abdomen & rib cage)

ACTIONS: Call your vet to advise of bloat case enroute. Inform him that your dog is insured. TRANSPORT your dog to the surgery IMMEDIATELY.

PHASE 2 (Once this stage is reached, veterinary attention must be given within a maximum of 30 mins)
SYMPTOMS:
1.Very restless, whining, panting continuously, heavy salivating.
2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 2-3 mins).
3. Dark red gums.
4. High heartbeat rate (80-100 BPM).
5. Abdomen is enlarged and tight. Emits hollow sound when thumped.
ACTIONS: CALL VET IMMEDIATELY - DOSE WITH ASILONE, GAVISCON OR OTHER BRAND. TRANSPORT your dog to the surgery WITHOUT DELAY.


PHASE 3
SYMPTOMS:
1. Gums are dark purple or blue
2. Dog unable to stand or has spread-legged, shaky stance.
3. Abdomen is very enlarged.
4. Extremely high heart beat rate (100 BPM or greater) and weak pulse.
ACTIONS: Death is imminent! There is now no time to lose. It is probably already too late.

Please don't let it get to this stage. If in doubt, get to the vet.

Reproduced from Dainwood Great Danes, Fawn Brindle Blue & Black pups. Sport Horse Stud & Horse Rug Cleaning & Repairs. Based in Retford, Notts, East Midlands - Great Dane Breeder

[GSDOWNER]

Possible Causes of Bloat in Dogs

	Stress Dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, change in routine, new dog in household, etc. Although purely anecdotal, we've heard of too many cases where a dog bloated after a 3rd dog was brought into the household (perhaps due to stress regarding pack order). Activities that result in gulping air
	Eating habits, especially... Elevated food bowls Rapid eating Eating dry foods that contain citric acid as a preservative (the risk is even worse if the owner moistens the food) Eating dry foods that contain fat among the first four ingredients Insufficient Trypsin (a pancreatic enzyme present in meat) Dilution of gastric juices necessary for complete digestion by drinking too much water before or after eating Eating gas-producing foods (especially soybean products, brewer's yeast, and alfalfa) Drinking too much water too quickly (can cause gulping of air)
	Exercise before and especially after eating
	Heredity (especially having a first-degree relative who has bloated)
	Build & Physical Characteristics Having a deep and narrow chest compared to other dogs of the same breed Older dogs Big dogs Males Being underweight
	Disposition Fearful or anxious temperament Prone to stress History of aggression toward other dogs or people

click to read more >> Bloat in Dogs

[kelpiemad]

Thank You so much for all the information about symptoms and possible causes it is so useful to know and it might just save a life
Thank You Michelle x