Bloat in dogs, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, or GDV, is a condition that can be fatal to your pet.
It is the second most common cause of death in dogs, following cancer.
What are the causes? The cause of bloat is not really known.
GDV can occur in any dog at any age but most often occurs in purebred dogs, dogs who are middle-aged and older and deep-breasted larger dogs, who have more room in their chest cavity and abdomen.
Dogs with nervous personalities also seem to be more susceptible to bloat.
It appears that with more room in the dog's body, along with excess air or food, it's possible for the stomach to flip, bringing the spleen with it and closing down the stomach, causing restricted blood supply to the stomach and spleen.
This can happen very quickly and can lead to shock and death.
Which breeds are most prone to bloat?
However, before the study Purdue, as well as others, felt that large dogs should use raised dog bowls.
Many large dog breeders debate this study and disagree that dogs should not be fed from raised dog bowls.
Can it be cured? It's important for dog owners to be able to recognize the signs of bloat and seek treatment for their pet immediately as it can quickly cause the death of the dog.
Prophylactic surgery can reduce the risk of repeated bloat.
Surgery is necessary to permanently attach the stomach to the abdominal wall so that it cannot twist again.
If surgery is not performed, the chance that the dog will get bloat again can be as high as 80%.
After the procedure the chances of bloating can drop by 70%.
However, this surgery is only recommended as a last resort for pets that are prone to bloat in dogs.
It is the second most common cause of death in dogs, following cancer.
What are the causes? The cause of bloat is not really known.
GDV can occur in any dog at any age but most often occurs in purebred dogs, dogs who are middle-aged and older and deep-breasted larger dogs, who have more room in their chest cavity and abdomen.
Dogs with nervous personalities also seem to be more susceptible to bloat.
It appears that with more room in the dog's body, along with excess air or food, it's possible for the stomach to flip, bringing the spleen with it and closing down the stomach, causing restricted blood supply to the stomach and spleen.
This can happen very quickly and can lead to shock and death.
Which breeds are most prone to bloat?
- Great Danes
- Akitas
- Standard Poodles
- Saint Bernards
- Bloodhounds
- Weimaraners
- Irish Setters
- Dobermans
- German Shepherds
- Gordon Setters
- Mastiffs
- Basset Hound
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Collie
- Irish Wolfhound
- Newfoundland
- Rottweiler
- Pacing and restlessness
- Attempting but unable to vomit
- Showing visible discomfort or stomach pain
- Swelling of the abdominal area
- Hypersalivation
- Lethargy
- Pale gums and tongue
- Rapid heart rate
- Labored breathing
- Collapse
- Feed your dog smaller more frequent meals
- Do not make sudden changes to your dog's diet
- Avoid strenuous exercise after meals
- Avoid excessive thirst which can cause gulping and air in the stomach
- Make sure that your dog is calm before and after eating
- Keep your dog on a routine, especially when it comes to eating and exercising
- Supplement your dog's nutrition with the use of probiotics
However, before the study Purdue, as well as others, felt that large dogs should use raised dog bowls.
Many large dog breeders debate this study and disagree that dogs should not be fed from raised dog bowls.
Can it be cured? It's important for dog owners to be able to recognize the signs of bloat and seek treatment for their pet immediately as it can quickly cause the death of the dog.
Prophylactic surgery can reduce the risk of repeated bloat.
Surgery is necessary to permanently attach the stomach to the abdominal wall so that it cannot twist again.
If surgery is not performed, the chance that the dog will get bloat again can be as high as 80%.
After the procedure the chances of bloating can drop by 70%.
However, this surgery is only recommended as a last resort for pets that are prone to bloat in dogs.