Is your Dog at Risk for Bloat?

Gastric dilatation volvulus syndrome, more commonly known as bloat, is a serious condition in dogs. Bloat is when the stomach twists on itself and cuts off its blood supply along with that to other organs. At the same time, air and gas trapped in the stomach accumulate causing a distended abdomen. Shock and organ failure due to the lack of blood complicates the condition and may lead to death. Obvious symptoms include a distended abdomen, non-productive vomiting, salivating, and an inability to get up.

There has been an epidemic of bloat during the past decade although no one really knows why. Most at risk for bloat are older, deep-chested, large breed dogs. (However, smaller dogs can also get bloat.) There is also a genetic predisposition to bloat. Nervous or fearful dogs are more prone to bloat than calm dogs, indicating that stress could be a factor.

If you suspect that your dog may be experiencing bloat, it is an immediate emergency. A dog can die from it in a matter of hours. Treatment for bloat includes immediately releasing the gas by inserting a stomach tube orally or inserting a needle into the stomach to release the gas. Surgery is usually required to untwist the stomach. Since there is an 80 % chance of the bloat happening again, the surgery usually includes suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent a recurrence.

There is no definitive method for preventing bloat although there are a number of suggestions that may decrease the probability. They include: more frequent but smaller meals, raising the food dish on a platform, decreasing stress, and methods to keep your dog from eating too fast.

The most important thing to remember is that if you suspect your dog has bloat, it is an emergency and must be treated immediately.