Bloat: A Reminder That It Is A True Emergency.
Editor’s note: We have received several letters from readers asking us to include something about bloat, as a reminder of just how life-threatening this condition is.
From a reader: “I am trying to hard to edu- cate everyone I can on this silent killer. We lost our Créme Standard Poodle, Chloe on Christmas Day. She was fine at 11 a.m. and by 5:30 p.m., we were putting her to sleep. It was the most horrible experience we have ever had. I was hoping with all the people you reach you would be able to help me inform all your readers of the signs, symptoms and possi- ble prevention. If we had only known the signs and symptoms ourselves. I truly believe you could do many a wonderful service. Remind those who may already know, and enlighten those who simply don’t know. Thanks for this consideration. She was a dear, sweet creature, Delta Pet Therapy Dog and loved by so many.” ~Patricia Clifton, Orlando.
Bloat occurs when the dog’s
stomach fills with air, fluid and/or food. The enlarged stomach puts pressure on the other organs, causing difficulty breathing, eventually decreasing blood supply to the dog’s vital organs. Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), gastric torsion and twisted stomach, the condition causes rapid clinical signs and death in several hours. Even with immediate treatment, about 25 to 40 percent of dogs die as a result of this medical emergency. The condition is most commonly seen in large, deep-chest-
Chloe, sitting in front of a fan with a smile on her sweet face.
to see if the stomach has rotated or twisted on itself. “This is called a volvulus or torsion depending on how the stomach twists,” said Dr. Woodley. If GDV does occur, aggres- sive treatment is instituted immedi- ately for stabilization of shock, arrhythmias, and electrolyte distur- bances. Emergency surgery is required to deflate and untwist the stomach so that pressure can be relieved, organ viability can be assessed, the stomach positioning can be corrected, and cir- culation restored. At that time, the surgeon will also use a stabilization technique to essentially tack the stomach so as to prevent future recur- rence, a procedure known as gas- tropexy. Even after surgery, there is still
intensive monitoring and care needed for the next two weeks. After suffer- ing from GDV, dogs may have abnor-
mal heart rhythms and mobility issues for several days. To best lower your dog’s risk of bloat, avoid any strenuous
ed dogs such as Great Danes, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Mastiffs, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. “It can aso be seen in small dogs with deep chests, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds,” said Dr. Christen Woodley, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of Dunedin.“Dogs that have had a direct relative with bloat can be at increased risk, though there is not a proven genetic link. The most common risk factors are taking in a lot of air, overeating or eating quickly, drinking lots of water quick- ly, and activity following a recent meal. There is debate on whether lowered or raised food bowls are better. It has been shown that either can contribute,” adds Dr. Woodley. Food bloat may occur if the dog (or cat) has access to large
amounts of food, such as getting into a whole bag of food or a garbage can and consuming the contents quickly. The stretch- ing of the stomach can be very painful, not to mention the risk of pancreatitis or obstruction, depending on what is consumed. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, unsuccessful
attempts to belch or vomit/retching without producing any- thing, weakness, excessive salivation, shortness of breath, cold body temperature, pale gums, rapid heartbeat, collapse. Timeliness of treatment is paramount. Radiographs are taken to assess the size of the stomach and
72 THE NEW BARKER
exercise or hyperactivity after eating or drinking. Also try to slow your dog’s consumption of food and water by regulating the portions you offer. It is best to not offer large bowls of water, especially to a dog that historically tries to rapidly drink a lot. There is also greater concern if the dog is panting and tak- ing in a lot of air when while eating or drinking. “If your pet is at high risk for this disease, you can decrease
the risk by offering multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. Food bowls with dividers are avail- able, which can slow down food intake. Another method of slowing food consumption is to substitute mini muffin trays for a food bowl,” said Dr. Woodley. Any at-risk dog can have a surgical procedure to “tack” the
stomach to the inside of the abdominal wall, called a gastropexy. Now, a minimally invasive surgery using rigid laparoscopy, called laparoscopic gastropexy, allows trained surgeons to per- form the procedure with only a small incision at the belly but- ton and a second incision in front and to the right side of the center line of the abdomen. “This minimally invasive laparo- scopic surgical technique is the most advanced way to perform this surgery and has the shortest recovery time with the least amount of pain,” said Dr. Mark Brown, Central Animal Hospital, St. Petersburg. Talk to your veterinarian about the prevention of bloat, including the use of preventative laparoscopic surgery. U
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