PROMOTING HEALTH AND SAFETY
Bloat
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat) is a life-threatening abdominal disorder that requires immediate veterinary attention. It's a growing problem for some reason.
While or just after eating, the dog's stomach swells from gas or fluid, sometimes causing it to twist. If it's just a mild dilation of the stomach due to gas, it can be treated at home. If the stomach twists, however, the dog is in a life-or-death situation and must be taken to a vet immediately. Large, deep-chested dogs are particularly susceptible to bloat.
Signs of acute stomach swelling (but not a twisted stomach):
If your hound is able to belch or vomit, his stomach probably is NOT twisted. Signs that the stomach has twisted are similar to those above but more acute. The dog breathes rapidly, his mouth membranes are cold and pale, and he collapses. These signs are due to strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach.
Rush your dog to the vet. Surgery will be necessary to relieve a twisted stomach. The stomach is opened up and the twist is unwound. Sometimes a portion of the stomach or the spleen must be taken out. The vet may staple the stomach in such a way that it is less likely to twist again.
In nearly every case of severe bloat, the dog had a history of overeating, eating fermented foods, drinking excessively after eating, or vigorous exercise within 2-3 hours of a meal.
Measures that may help to avoid bloat include the following:
“The onset of bloat is usually sudden. Picking up on common early warning signals can mean the difference between life and death...One moment your dog may be pacing or acting somewhat restless, and the next, he’s fighting for his life...” (“As the Stomach Turns,” Southern California Dog Magazine)
Some information taken from Delbert G. Carlson and James M, Giffin, Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Howell Book House, 1983.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat) is a life-threatening abdominal disorder that requires immediate veterinary attention. It's a growing problem for some reason.
While or just after eating, the dog's stomach swells from gas or fluid, sometimes causing it to twist. If it's just a mild dilation of the stomach due to gas, it can be treated at home. If the stomach twists, however, the dog is in a life-or-death situation and must be taken to a vet immediately. Large, deep-chested dogs are particularly susceptible to bloat.
Signs of acute stomach swelling (but not a twisted stomach):
- excessive salivation and/or drooling
- extreme restlessness
- attempts to vomit/defecate
- abdominal pain (he whines and groans when you push on his
- stomach)
- abdominal swelling
If your hound is able to belch or vomit, his stomach probably is NOT twisted. Signs that the stomach has twisted are similar to those above but more acute. The dog breathes rapidly, his mouth membranes are cold and pale, and he collapses. These signs are due to strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach.
Rush your dog to the vet. Surgery will be necessary to relieve a twisted stomach. The stomach is opened up and the twist is unwound. Sometimes a portion of the stomach or the spleen must be taken out. The vet may staple the stomach in such a way that it is less likely to twist again.
In nearly every case of severe bloat, the dog had a history of overeating, eating fermented foods, drinking excessively after eating, or vigorous exercise within 2-3 hours of a meal.
Measures that may help to avoid bloat include the following:
- Some experts recommend raising food and water dishes about 6 inches off the ground.
- Do not allow strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating.
“The onset of bloat is usually sudden. Picking up on common early warning signals can mean the difference between life and death...One moment your dog may be pacing or acting somewhat restless, and the next, he’s fighting for his life...” (“As the Stomach Turns,” Southern California Dog Magazine)
Some information taken from Delbert G. Carlson and James M, Giffin, Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Howell Book House, 1983.
