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 The
term bloat describes a condition in dogs where the stomach grossly
distends with gas and food. When the stomach stretches
to many times the normal size, it causes significant pain.
While the stomach is distended, it rotates about 270 degrees. This
rotation twists off the blood supply to the stomach while trapping food
and gas inside the stomach.
A bloat is also known as a
GDV – a gastric dilatation and volvulus. This is a life threatening
condition and is seen with some regularity at veterinary hospitals.
Patients die within a matter of hours unless emergency surgery is
performed.
The symptoms of bloat
include dry heaving or unsuccessful vomiting because the stomach is
twisted closed. Dogs will often drool, pant, and pace. Some owners are
able to see their dogs’ stomach is distended and firm. Dogs in the later
stage of bloat are in shock and are usually found laying on their side,
panting, extremely weak and lethargic.
Any breed of dog can
bloat, but most have a deep chest like a greyhound or Irish Setter has.
The three breeds most susceptible to bloat are Great Danes, Saint Bernards,
and Weimaraners. I have certainly seen many Rottweilers, Boxers,
Labradors, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles bloat (including my own
Standard Poodle).
Bloat is more common in
older dogs, but dogs that are only a few years old can bloat. Male dogs
are at an increased risk. There is a genetic component, so it helps if
you know your dog’s family history.
Elevated food or water
bowls have been shown to increase the risk of bloat. I recommend only
using elevated food bowls if the dog has arthritis which prevents it from
easily bending its neck. Dogs fed only once a day had a greater chance
of bloating. Moistening dry foods (as opposed to feeding a canned food)
or restricting water before or after meals is a risk for bloating.
The presence of cereal
ingredients; soy, wheat, or corn, in the first four ingredients of the
ingredient list has not been shown to increase the risk of bloat.
Feeding canned food as
part of the diet has been shown to decrease the risk of bloat. Feeding
more than once a day can help prevent bloating, too.
Some owners with high risk
dogs elect to have preventative surgery. In this procedure, the stomach
is surgically sutured to the opposite body wall to prevent the stomach
from twisting.
To confirm a bloat, x-rays
need to be taken. Emergency surgery is required to correct the bloat
(by untwisting the stomach) and the dogs are usually hospitalized for
several days.
Something to always
remember: if your dog is dry heaving, or repeatedly trying to vomit, take
him right away to the veterinarian. For reasons not clear, bloats often
occur during the evening. Learn where your emergency veterinarian is.
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