Bloat: the mother of all emergencies
Article courtesy Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital
Nothing is more of an emergency than bloat and twisting of the
stomach in the dog. This is known as gastric dilatation and
volvulus (GDV) in the business. Large, deep-chested dogs like the
Doberman, Greyhound, and German Shepherd as well as the giant
breeds like the Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Great Pyrenees are at
risk for developing this lifethreatening condition.
A sobering fact is that dogs of these breeds may have as much as
a 35% chance of developing gastric bloat at some time in their
life. Conditions that can lead to gastric bloat are not totally
clear but gas builds up in the stomach to the point that the dog is
unable to belch to relieve its distress. If this condition is not
resolved at this point in a hospital the stomach can continue to
distend and turn on itself (gastric volvulus) compressing major
blood vessels to the heart producing shock and death. Due to the
rapid progression of this disease the fatality rate can be
high.
Owners of dogs prone to this condition should recognize signs of
bloat: dogs have distended, hard abdomens and are in obvious
distress; often vocalizing; they may be drooling and gagging or
retching but unable to vomit; they may be panting. If you suspect
bloat it is important to get your dog to the nearest veterinary
facility ASAP.
There are a few steps that an owner of a large breed dog can
take to help prevent GDV:
• Feed at least two smaller meals per day instead of one large
one.
• Don't allow vigorous exercise immediately after a meal as
shaking up the stomach contents can be a problem.
• Have your veterinarian perform a surgery called a gastropexy
if you have a large breed dog. This simple procedure can be
performed at the same time as a spay or neuter and can help to
prevent both the stomach from twisting and of fatality should bloat
occur.
Memorial Beach Vet Hospital:
Chick Warner DVM
Patricia Humphrey DVM
Martha Shafer DVM
Cheryl Dell DVM
Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital
15 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-6916 (Office)
(707) 433-2752 (Boarding Hotline)
http://www.memorialbeachvet.com
Mon - Thurs & Sat: 8:30am - 5pm
Fri: 9:30am - 5pm
Closed Sun
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