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Health: Bloat

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Bloat--also called gastric torsion or gastric dilation volvulus--is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. When deep-chested or large-breed dogs play immediately after eating a large meal, they run the risk of literally twisting their stomachs. This will pinch closed the entrance and exit of the stomach (the gastroesophageal junction and the duodenum) and allow gas to build up inside the stomach with nowhere to go. The dog is unable to belch or vomit. Other problems, such as dehydration, circulatory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, and peritonitis, can accompany bloat.

There is no real first aid that can be performed on dogs with bloat. The only option is to immediately get the dog to the vet, who may be able to pass a rubber tube through the mouth into the stomach to relieve the pressure. While this may relieve the immediate danger, surgery may still be required to correct the problem.

Time is truly of the essence. Nearly 50 percent of dogs with bloat die from the condition.

Symptoms

Be alert to these symptoms, especially if they occur just after the dog has eaten and exercised:
  • Pacing, retching, salivation, or attempts to vomit with no result
  • Enlargement of the abdomen (the dog may whine when the belly is pressed)
  • Tapping the abdomen produces a sound like a hollow drum
  • Lethargy, walking with legs stiff or a hanging head
  • Weak pulse and rapid, labored breathing, with pale gums and tongue (this is late-stage bloat, when shock can occur at any time)

When it's time to see a vet

Signs of bloat require immediate action on your part--even if you're only operating on suspicion instead of certain knowledge. If your dog is stricken when your vet's office is closed, take him to the nearest emergency facility.

What's next

Your vet will make an assessment of the danger right  [Continued]


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dogtime tip
If you suspect your dog has bloat, save precious time by having someone else call the vet to tell them you are coming, while you get the dog into the car. That way the vet can prepare while you are on the way.

 

Comments

I did not know anything about bloatuntil last Tuesday 08/26/2008, my Chow Chow Bella Bear was going in and out of the dog door and made a little whinning noise. I knew immediately that something was amiss. I went to her and I usually give her a belly rub and to my surprise, her abdomen was hard as a blown up balloon and Bella cried again. I called my Vet right away and they told me not to bring her in, but to take her to the Emergency Animal Hospital immediately plus adding that this is life threatening. I immediately drove Bella to the hospital and they were waiting for my arrival due to a call from my Vet and within a half hour, Bella was in emergency surgery. I was lucky and Bella even luckier as the surgery was a success and she is home with me now. I was fortunate enough to have noticed the symptoms and reacted quickly. It saved her life! Her stomach turned 90 degrees and her spleen was moved, but because this was corrected right away, there was no damage to any organs. Her stomach was repositioned and spleen put back with no ill effects. Bella is in recovery and in the healing process that will take about 3 weeks. We are grateful to have terrific Vets and owe them our eternal graditude. Everyone that has a dog should be armed with the knowledge required to look out for bloat. Bloatcan kill within hours!

— wallie.gee, Aug 29 2008

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