An Owner’s Guide to Canine Bloat

Canine bloat is a condition that can become life-threatening within hours. In fact, it is estimated that one in four dogs that suffer from the ailment die, even after receiving treatment. Also called gastric dilatation-volvulus (or, GDV), the illness can form and progress quickly, putting your pooch’s life at risk.

In this article, we’ll explain how gastric dilatation-volvulus develops and some of the risk factors that make some canines more susceptible than others. You’ll learn about the symptoms which present as well as common forms of treatment for the condition.

How GDV Develops

For reasons that remain unclear, your dog’s stomach can expand with air. As his stomach expands, it creates excess pressure against the rest of his internal structure, including nearby organs and his diaphragm. This causes breathing difficulties. Plus, because the pressure flattens the abdominal veins, it causes circulation issues; blood cannot flow properly to his heart.

Making matters worse, the expanded stomach turns and further squeezes the veins. This hampers blood flow to the stomach and starves it of blood. Eventually, the stomach begins to die. Once this happens, your pooch’s health will worsen quickly.

Factors Of Susceptibility

There are several factors that increase your canine’s susceptibility to gastric dilatation-volvulus. For example, large breeds seem more prone than smaller breeds. Genes also play a role; if the parents suffer from GDV, there is a higher likelihood that their offspring will, too.

The condition usually afflicts older dogs; if your pooch is over seven years of age, he is twice as likely to suffer from it than a younger dog (i.e. under four years old). Likewise, males are more likely to develop the illness than females.

Another potential risk factor involves meal frequency; dogs that receive a single meal each day are more likely to develop GDV than those that receive two meals per day.

Common Symptoms

The most common warning signs are a swollen abdomen and dry-heaving. With regard to the latter, your pooch may go through the motions of vomiting, yet not produce any material. Because the ailment is characterized by breathing difficulties, you may also notice your canine taking short, shallow breaths. If the condition advances, your pooch may begin salivating excessively and eventually collapse in shock.

Treating The Condition

A veterinarian will first administer fluids in order to reduce – or prevent – shock. He or she may also give your dog antibiotics. The priority then shifts to reducing the amount of air within his stomach. This is normally accomplished by inserting a catheter into the organ to allow air to escape.

Once the air within your canine’s stomach has been removed, the veterinarian will take X-rays of his abdomen. This is done in order to determine whether the stomach has turned and placed additional pressure on the veins. If necessary, surgery is performed to correct the organ’s position.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a serious illness for dogs. Learn to identify the warning signs. If they manifest, take your pooch immediately to his veterinarian for treatment.

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Tags: breathing difficulties, canine bloat, swollen abdomen, volvulus