Thursday, December 9, 2010

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

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