Bloat aka Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion is the second biggest killer after Cancer and has been known as the silent killer. Though a lot of people aren't even aware of it.
Bloat is a life threatening condition which requires urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to have the contact details of your vet and emergency vet readily to hand so you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Bloat can occur in any dog at any age, but typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. Male dogs also seem to be more prone to bloat probably because because they can be of stockier build.
Bloat mostly affects large deep chested breeds but can also affect small to medium sized deep chested dogs ie Dachshund and Standard Poodle. Breeds commonly affected include the Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Old English Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Collie, Bloodhound, Standard Poodle, Chinese Shar-Pei, Bassett Hound, Dachshund and Pekingese.
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a serious, deadly medical condition that occurs for a number of reasons that aren't fully understood. Bloat happens when the stomach fills with air, putting dangerous pressure on the lungs and other organs. Pressure on the lungs makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The stomach, once filled with air, then folds over or rotates around itself, cutting off the supply of blood to the internal organs, and putting the dog's health in serious danger.
Causes of Bloat.
I don't think anyone knows for sure what causes Bloat but there are certain risk factors that can contribute to it ie Over eating, Drinking to much water, Stress and exercising to close to meal times.
Symptoms of Bloat.
It is very important to be aware of the signs of Bloat because if your dog shows any signs immediate medical attention is required bearing in mind dogs are very good at hiding signs of pain until it's to late.
Distended abdomen
Unsuccessful attempts to belch or vomit
Retching without producing anything
Weakness
Excessive salivation
Shortness of breath
Cold body temperature
Pale gums
Rapid heartbeat
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Recognizing Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs -- powered by ehow
1. Rigorous exercise done either right before a meal or right after one. You should wait one hour before feeding and one hour after eating or preferably two hours to be on the safe side before you let your dog run around.
2. Excessive drinking should also be avoided, especially right before and straight after feeding time.
3. Dogs that are under stress may develop a predisposition to ingest air and be prone to bloat. The same applies to dog that are particularly anxious and fearful. Allowing the dog to lead a stress free and happy life, therefore, lowers the incidence of bloat. Stress can be brought on by visits to the vets, Dog shows, A new addition to the family, Boarding Kennels, Change of routine etc.
4. Avoid raised feeders. The issue of raised feeding bowls is still one of contention. Research and theories are ongoing regarding whether raised dog bowls and feeders really help bloat or may actually aggravate the condition. Via Dogs Today magazine's Think Tank we asked vet Alison Logan what her view is on the issue of dog bloat and raised feeders:
"Bloat is one of many conditions where advice varies with time, reflecting the results of ongoing research. Yes, raising the feeding bowl was advised at one time and current thinking is that it is best to feed from the ground once more. That advice may well change in the future, if it has not already. It may be a matter of by how much the feeding bowl is raised, so perhaps feeding off the lowest back-door step rather than raising it by twelve inches, for example? There are so many factors potentially at play in the development of bloat that the height of the feeding bowl may be insignificant or a relatively minor feature in comparison with another factor, which may not have even been identified yet."
5. Avoid over feeding instead of feeding one big meal split it up into two or three smaller meals, in multi dog households try and avoid feeding the dogs together split them up to avoid competition for food. In greedy dogs buy a slow feeder to avoid dogs gulping down food.
There is now a preventive treatment for Bloat called Gastropexy how successful it is though I don't know.
