Canine Bloat
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.
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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
Ths website only provides BASIC information about canine
bloat. your veterinarian is always your best source of health
information. Consult your Vet.
About the Author
Ron Swerdfiger
For more great articles, and tons of other great dog stuff,
visit http://www.web-rover.com
Thank you for using 4Dog Info for
information on Canine Bloat.
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