Canine Bloat
Bloat is a very serious dog health problem and is a life threatening condition! Bloat is the common term for medical condition known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). The word Bloat means bloated and puffy. This reflects the effect to the dog when the stomach fills up with air and appears bloated.
The condition is also referred to as Gastric Distension or Gastric Torsion.
Symptoms
Canine Bloat is marked by the fast and unusual distension of the abdomen accompanied by non-productive vomiting and retching with rapid, shallow breathing. A dog with bloat may go into shock and profuse salivation may indicate severe pain. Once the stomach is filled with air it can easily rotate on itself. This rotation (volvulus) can cut off the blood supply, the whole blood supply system is effected and the stomach then begins to die. This results in the rapid deterioration in the condition of the dog and sudden death.
Dogs susceptible to Bloat
The dogs most susceptible to Bloat are of deep chested, large breeds over two years of age. The Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Mastiff breeds are the breeds who have the highest likelihood of acquiring canine bloat. The incidence of Bloat increases in dogs that are male, underweight, eat only one meal a day, eat at a faster rate and are of a nervous disposition, but owners of large breeds should be aware that any age, sex, weight etc could be affected.
Treatment
Any dog displaying the symptoms of bloat must be referred to a Vet immediately. Time is of the essence and prompt treatment will help reduce the 35% mortality rate of dogs with this condition.
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