u Shallow breathing
u Pale gums
u Collapsing
Certain breeds are more commonly affected by
bloat like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, German
Shepherds or dogs with narrow deep chests.
There are also a number of things that may
increase the risk of a dog suffering from bloat
like stress, age, the build of the dog, or if they
are genetically predisposed.
The biggest contributors to bloat however
are to do with eating habits, such as drinking
too much water while eating, eating from an
elevated feed bowl, eating only dry food,
exercising before or after eating, or eating
too quickly.
The most common cause of bloat is rapid
eating or gobbling of food. When dogs devour
or inhale their food quickly they can gulp air
and not chew or digest the food properly.
There are specially designed bowls available
like the Skid Stop Slow Feed Bowl or the Fun
Feeder Bowls, that slow down the speed that
the dog can eat. These bowls have simple
obstructions that stop the dog from being
able to engulf large mouthfuls of food at once.
If you ever think that your dog is suffering from
bloat please contact your vet immediately, as
it is a life-threatening problem that can quickly
prove to be fatal.
www.vetnpetdirect.com.au
|
3
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is
a life-threatening condition and common killer
of dogs. GDV is when the stomach swells/bloats
(gastric dilation) and then twists (volvulus).
When bloat occurs there will firstly be an
excessive build-up of air, fluid, and/or gas in
the stomach. When the stomach swells it can,
sometimes but not always, twist and cause
air, fluid, gas and food to be trapped in the
stomach. The stomach can twist from 90-360
degrees while still attached to oesophagus
and duodenum (upper intestines). When the
stomach bloats and twists it causes the veins
in the stomach and abdomen to become
obstructed. This can lead to dehydration, low
blood pressure, shock, damage to internal
organs and then subsequently death.
GDV is very serious and needs to be treated
immediately by a veterinarian. From the onset
of initial signs it can be a matter of minutes to
possible death. Signs of bloat/GDV that all dog
owners should be aware of include:
u Distended abdomen / swollen belly
u Retching or gagging / trying to vomit
u Restlessness
u Hunched up
u Abdominal pain
u Panting
u Rapid heart rate
