What is Canine Bloat?
Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the complications of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer.
The exact cause of bloat is still unknown. Generally, it is believed that excessive eating and drinking of water followed by exercise can cause bloat. It is thought that exercise causes food or fluid in the stomach to cause a build up of gas. The severity of the conditions is more serious when the stomach twists upon itself within the abdomen in a clockwise rotation causing the inlet and outlet of the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply the stomach to become constricted at both ends. As a result, the constriction will cause the stomach tissue to die. In a very short time, the stomach becomes restricted of nutrients and oxygen. If not treated, the dog can die.
What Are the Symptoms of Canine Bloat?
- Anxious, restless
- Distended abdomen
- Attempting to vomit
- Excessive drooling
- Whining
- Pale gums
- Increase in heart rate.
- Difficult breathing
What Causes Bloat?
The stomach becomes filled with gas and because of several possible factors; the dog is unable to relieve the pressure. Bloat, with GDV, is when the stomach goes in to a Atwist.@ This closes both the esophagus and pylorus, preventing the dog from relieving the gas pressure which can quickly build up after a large meal. This condition is extremely fatal, causing shock, coma and eventually death. Like many other conditions which affect our dogs, the actual cause of bloat is still unknown. Several factor seem to contribute to a dogs chances of getting bloat
- Stress
- Eating or drinking too fast.
- Exercise before and immediately after eating
- Having a large deep chest
- Elevated food bowls
- Hereditary
- Disposition
Are All Dogs At Risk Cannine Bloat?
Canine bloat and GDV usually only effects large breed dogs, but smaller dogs are still susceptible.. It is thought that some lines of breeds are genetically at a higher risk. Though bloat can occur in puppies, it is a condition which usually occurs in adult dogs. Furthermore, male dogs are more likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs. Here is a list of some breeds that have a higher chance of being effected by bloat and GDV.
- German Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Standard Poodle
- Rottweiler
- Akita
- Bloodhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Irish Setter
- Old English Sheepdog
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Irish Wolfhound
- St. Bernards
- Labrador Retriever
- Newfoundland
- Doberman
What Is the Treatment of Dog Bloat?
Canine bloat is a very serious problem. If you suspect your dog of having bloat, contact your vet immediately. Every second counts! If caught and diagnosed quick enough, initial treatment will involve inserting a tube or tochar in to the stomach wall to remove the gas. If necessary, the vet will then operate, attempting to untwist the stomach. Secondary treatment will involve treating shock, dehydration, fatigue, and other complications resulting from the distension of the stomach.
Is There Any Way To Prevent Dog Bloat?
Prevention of bloat can be difficult. Because there are so many possible causes for this condition, prevention must be examined on an individual basis. If you have a dog that is at risk there are a couple of things that you can do to decrease the chances of this fatal condition. Since bloat is believed to be connected with genetics and hereditary, these preventive measures can only decrease the chances of bloat.
- Do not overfeed. Feed 2-3 small meals a day.
- Do not use elevated food bowls
- Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water after eating.
- Add an enzyme product to your dogs food
- Keep emergency veterinary contact handy
- Gastropexy surgery
This website only provides BASIC information about canine bloat. Your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Canine Bloat and GDV and its prevention.
For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our dog forum
Alto Pass chicago limos ..For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Alto Pass cool limo ..My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Pet |