Bloat
Kills Dogs
Please read this information …Your Greyhound's Life
Could Depend On It.
It may be a funny name, but bloat, or gastric
dilation-volvulus (GDV) is no laughing matter. The intestinal disorder kills an
estimated 36,000 dogs in the US each year.
The
onset is sudden. For unknown reasons, gas accumulates rapidly in the dog's stomach,
causing an increase in pressure, compression of the surrounding organs and shock.
The stomach may twist or displace. Bloat can be rapidly fatal. About 30% of affected
dogs die.
Why
Does Bloat Happen?
Certain behaviors appear linked to bloating episodes:
gulping large amounts of dry food, drinking copious amounts of water right after
eating, and exercising vigorously shortly before or after meals. Cereal-based
diets, hereditary predisposition and swallowing air have also been suggested as
causes of Bloat.
Ongoing
studies at Purdue University have identified two possible additional culprits;
dry food with fat as one of the top four ingredients, and the addition of water
to dry food containing citric acid. Details of these studies are not yet available.
The
dog most likely to suffer from bloat is one of the large or giant breeds, especially
deep-chested breeds. Particularly susceptible breeds include Irish Wolfhounds,
Greyhounds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers, Bassett
hounds, Standard Poodles, and German Shepherds.
Quick
Action Helps
Quick Action on the part of the dog's owner often can help
save the dog's life. If the pressure on the dog's stomach is relieved, or if it
is rushed to surgery to correct a twist, the animal stands a better chance of
survival. Dogs that bloat once are more likely to bloat again. There are surgical
procedures that veterinarians can perform to help prevent future cases of bloat.
Symptoms
of Bloat
Educate yourself about bloat and if your dog shows any of these
symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. Tell-tale signs include: Abdominal
fullness or swelling, an arched back and difficulty walking, whining, pacing,
getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at the belly, anxiety, intense
salivation, and wretching without vomiting.
Steps
Owners Can Take
- Feed
two or three small meals daily rather than one large meal.
- Reduce
the speed at which your dog eats by dropping small mouthfuls in the bowl one at
a time or spreading the food around in a larger bowl.
- Dogs
should avoid vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress one hour before and two
hours after meals. Walking is permissible and may help stimulate normal gastrointestinal
function.
- You
should make diet changes gradually over a period of 3-5 days.
- Make
sure water is available to dogs at all times, but limit quantities.
- Discuss
emergency measures for Bloat with your vet.
Morris Animal Foundation and Animal Fancy Magazine, Rx for Bloat:
Prevention by Marcia King