Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious medical condition that occurs when a dog's stomach expands and rotates, trapping gas and preventing blood flow. Large breeds and deep-chested dogs are more susceptible to this condition. Bloat can happen very quickly and should always be considered an emergency because it can be fatal.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, occurs when the stomach expands with gas, fluid, or food and then rotates in the abdomen. This creates a twist in the digestive tract at both the stomach's entrance and exit, trapping material inside the stomach. The spleen may flip over with the stomach as well. The rotation obstructs blood flow to the stomach and spleen, leading to necrosis (tissue death).
The stomach continues to expand and can put pressure on the vena cava, a major vein that carries blood from the back half of the body to the heart. The resulting decrease in blood flow to the heart can lead to shock, which is often fatal if not treated immediately.
Signs of bloat will vary from case to case and may be mild or absent in the early stages. If you have any reason to suspect your dog may be suffering from bloat, contact an emergency veterinary facility immediately.
A dog with bloat will typically exhibit restlessness due to discomfort. It will experience nausea with hypersalivation and retching or gagging. The dog will have an urgency to vomit, but the stomach contents will be trapped due to torsion. Saliva may be regurgitated, though, because it cannot enter the stomach when swallowed.
The dog's abdomen may or may not appear distended. Some dogs will vocalize due to abdominal pain while others will become lethargic and withdrawn.
The enlarged stomach may press on the diaphragm and affect breathing. Disruption of the circulatory system can lead to abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In some cases, the dog will collapse or become depressed and unable to get up.
Researchers are still not completely certain why bloat occurs in dogs, but most agree that the following circumstances may increase a dog’s risk
Elevated food bowls were once considered beneficial for large and giant dog breeds. However, some evidence suggests that elevating feeding increases the risk of bloat in dogs. While this is not certain, most vets recommend that dogs be fed at ground level.
Your veterinary team will work rapidly to stabilize and assess your dog. An IV catheter will be placed to administer fluids and medications that will address shock. An electrocardiogram (EKG) may be performed to check for cardiac arrhythmia. If necessary, medications may be given to stabilize the heart. Oxygen therapy may also be necessary if the dog is having difficulty breathing.
Abdominal x-rays will quickly be taken to look for stomach distention (gas, fluid, or food). Blood will then be drawn to run several tests; these typically include a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel (to assess organ function), electrolyte levels, and blood gas analysis.
While stabilizing your dog, the vet will try to decompress the stomach by passing a tube through the dog’s mouth. If this is not possible due to the twisting of the stomach, the vet may insert a large needle through the abdominal wall and allow air to expel.
Abdominal surgery will then be performed to rotate the stomach back into place and evaluate the tissue damage. Part of the stomach wall or the spleen may need to be removed if necrosis has occurred. The stomach will be stapled or sutured to prevent future rotation.
Most dogs recover from bloat with surgery and supportive care. However, the risk of fatality increases if the condition has lasted more than six hours, if heart arrhythmia is present, or if surgical removal of organ tissue is necessary.
There are ways to prevent bloat or reduce the chances it will develop. These include:
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