Www.hamptonveterinaryhospital.ca



The Bloated Dog Last week we looked at blocked cats something we as vets consider an absolute emergency today we are looking at one of the absolute emergencies in dogs ‘bloat’. Bloat is technically called gastric dilation and volvulus or GDV. This is a condition where the stomach fills with air (gastric dilation) and if the right conditions exists the dilated stomach can rotate on it axis (volvulus). Although gastric dilation can occur in any dog GDVs are essentially limited to large and giant breeds that have deep chests which allow for the rotation of the stomach. Gastric dilation can occur under a number of circumstances including prolonged vomiting, breathing issues where the dog is panting heavily and as a result of other gastro-intestinal issues but it can also occur as a result of every day activity. Vigorous exercise before or shortly after eating, eating too fast and drinking out of hoses can result in a dog swallowing large quantities of air leading to a gastric dilation. Not all gastric dilations lead to a volvulus even in at risk dogs. With a gastric dilation the stomach looks and feels like a large ball filled with air and in dogs without a deep chest it generally is wedged in place in the abdomen. The way the stomach is suspended in the abdomen allows for side to side movement and that free movement combined with a big ball of air with room to move is the ideal conditions for a GDV. A dog that has a gastric dilation will generally be exhibiting vomiting and restlessness due to the discomfort. These dogs generally are not looking to eat but may drink and the vomitus is usually mainly liquid. Caught at this stage the stomach can be decompressed by passing a tube under sedation or anaesthetic. Dogs with a GDV will be attempting to vomit frequently and will only be bringing up thick white foam, they are reluctant to lie down and may be standing with their backs arched. Most GDVs can be diagnosed on clinical appearance but a definitive diagnosis is made with a single x-ray. Once diagnosed a GDV is basically life or death it will not self-correct and with every minute that passes the dog is getting sicker as the volvulus cuts off blood circulation to some of the intestines and spleen. As an owner you are left with a choice to euthanize or go to surgery. Even the choice to go to surgery is not a guarantee of a live dog at the end of the day and it is generally expensive. So what can you do to try to prevent a GDV? Not allowing your dog to play before or immediately after eating, slowing down their eating and only permitting them to drink from a proper bowl are a few ways to avoid a gastric dilation. There is also a surgery that can be performed on deep chested dogs that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from rotating. GDVs are not that common but it is crucial to recognize the symptoms early for the best chance of success. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download