Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a critical canine health concern. Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach becomes overly stretched with gas and/or food, causing severe abdominal pain. The enlarged stomach may twist, cutting off blood supply and gas exit routes. This twisting can also affect the spleen, leading to circulation issues. The large stomach compresses back veins, causing circulatory shock. This painful and life-threatening situation requires immediate intervention. Without prompt action, a dog with a bloated, could succumb to pain within hours.
Often impacts deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Greyhounds, and setters. However, any dog, regardless of breed, can be susceptible.
The classic scenario involves a recently fed dog engaging in vigorous exercise. However, individual reasons for bloating remain unclear. No specific diet or ingredient is definitively linked to bloat.
Factors influencing risk include:
Not all dogs will show classic signs; some may lack apparent abdominal distention due to body shape. When in doubt, prioritise caution; seek immediate veterinary attention for your dog
Take your dog to a veterinary hospital or emergency facility without delay. Professional assistance, often including surgery, is essential in these cases.
Ongoing research in this field has yielded conflicting results. No single intervention has been proven to prevent bloat. Interestingly, elevated feeding might increase risk in some cases. Opting for smaller kibble, feeding frequent smaller meals, and avoiding breeding animals with a GDV history may potentially lower the risk for the animal and future generations.
It's crucial to consult your veterinary professional for guidance tailored to your dog's specific situation. Early intervention significantly impacts outcomes.
When a dog experiences bloat, the stomach enlarges, impacting major blood vessels and causing shock. To alleviate this, professionals swiftly decompress the stomach, either using a tube, pump, or surgery. This vital step not only releases trapped gas but also untwists the stomach, restoring normal circulation.
The next critical measure involves administering rapid IV fluids. Intravenous catheters are employed to deliver life-saving fluids, counteracting shock. Simultaneously, medications are administered to manage the intense pain associated with bloat, stabilize heart rate, and provide essential support.
Assessing and stabilising heart rhythm follows. Professionals rule out dangerous rhythms like Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), a special rhythm problem linked to bloat. Continuous EKG monitoring may be necessary to ensure the dog's heart remains stable.
Surgery is deemed essential in all cases. It allows for a comprehensive assessment of internal damage, addressing issues like untwisting the stomach, removing nonviable tissue, and addressing spleen problems. A crucial part of surgery is gastropexy, a procedure that tacks the stomach into its normal position, preventing future twisting.
Considerations for surgery involve potential complications. Without timely intervention, there's a 24% mortality rate and a 76% chance of re-bloating. Surgical tacking significantly reduces the risk of recurrence to 6%. In severe cases, surgery may involve removing part of the stomach or spleen.
Remember, this information is for general understanding, and professional advice is essential for your dog's specific needs. Always seek guidance from your veterinary professional. Early intervention is key to preventing severe complications, and ignoring surgery may elevate the risk of re-bloating and mortality.
References:
Genevieve Tan
