Bloat is a condition that refers to distention of the stomach due to rapid gas fill-up. Sometimes the bloated stomach rotates and becomes twisted. As a result of the twisting, blood can be stopped from entering the organ. Deep-chested, large breed dogs, such as the Rottweilers, are susceptible to bloat.

Gastric dilatation volvulus – bloating – is a life-threatening emergency in dogs. Gastric dilatation means the stomach is distended with gas or fluid, whereas gastric volvulus means the stomach is twisted. Bloat, medically known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, is a very serious, life-threatening condition. Dog bloat can occur in dogs of any age, but usually middle-aged to older dogs are more susceptible. Canine bloat is one of the top killers in dogs – The mortality rate of dog bloat is about 50 percent. It is therefore important to learn more about this deadly condition.

What exactly is Bloat?
When we refer to bloat, we are actually talking about two conditions. One condition is called “gastric dilatation”, meaning the stomach is distended (bloated with gas and fluid). The other condition is “volvulus”, meaning the stomach is twisted after distention. If the stomach is twisted 180 degrees or less, the condition is called a “torsion”. An actual volvulus is a twist of 180 degrees to 360 degrees or more.

The mechanism of bloat in dogs is rather complicated. Simply put, when volvulus occurs, the esophagus is shut off, preventing the dog to relieve distention by vomiting or belching. In addition, the duodenum is pinched off, preventing air and fluid from escaping from the stomach. As a result, gas and fluid are trapped in the stomach as the material ferments. Very often, the spleen becomes entrapped as well, and its blood supply is cut off.

The twisting can also completely block entry of blood supply into the stomach. As the blood supply is cut off, the stomach tissue begins to die. If volvulus is not treated in a timely manner, it leads to a number of critical problems, such as acute dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, gastric perforation or even rupture of the stomach resulting in peritonitis, shock, and death.

Symptoms of Dog Bloat
Some of the classic symptoms of dog bloat include:
♦ Unproductive attempts to vomit
♦ Enlargement of the stomach
♦ Retching
♦ Excessive drooling
♦ Restlessness
♦ Lethargy

However, at its early stage, dog bloat may not cause the above signs. The dog may have gas and simply look uncomfortable and lethargic, and the stomach may feel a bit tight (but not distended). Therefore, even if your dog does not show the above symptoms, but has a tight stomach and cannot vomit or belch, watch him carefully and be prepared to take him to the veterinary clinic in case his conditions deteriorate.

If volvulus is allowed to progress to its critical stage, the dog will show these signs:
♦ Pale gums and tongue
♦ Rapid heart rate
♦ Weak pulse
♦ Rapid breathing
♦ Difficulty in breathing
♦ Collapse

Causes of Dog Bloat
As mentioned above, certain breeds of dogs are anatomically predisposed to dog bloat. In addition, eating habits can also cause bloat in dogs. For example, if a dog gulps down his food, he is likely to swallow a lot of air as well. This may cause stomach distention. Drinking a lot of water immediately after eating is another likely cause of bloat. According to a study conducted by Purdue University, dry food with a fat source in the first four ingredients listed on the label are more likely (170%) to cause bloat in dogs than foods without a fat source in the first four ingredients. Finally, exercising vigorously before or after eating can also cause bloat in dogs.

Conventional Treatment of Dog Bloat
Conventional treatment of stomach distention (without volvulus) is to pass a long tube into the dog’s stomach through his mouth to relieve the trapped air and fluid in the stomach, which is then washed out. Food and water will be withheld for the next 36 hours, during which intravenous drips will be given. Volvulus is diagnosed by X-rays of the abdomen. If volvulus is confirmed, emergency surgery is necessary to reposition the stomach and the spleen, and/or to remove any unhealthy tissues in the stomach and spleen. The vet may also suture the wall of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future occurrence of volvulus – a procedure called “gastroplexy”, or anchoring surgery.

Prevention of Bloating in Dogs
There is a 70-percent chance of recurrence of bloat in dogs who have received nonsurgical treatment. If your dog is one of those unlucky ones prone to bloat, it is important to prevent bloat by doing the following:
♦ Feed your dog more frequently (e.g. three times a day in smaller portions instead of one big meal).
♦ Avoid feeding dry dog food that has fat among the first four ingredients on the label.
♦ Limit water intake immediately after eating, and avoid letting your dog drink a lot of water at any one time.
♦ Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after meals.
♦ Keep some simethicone (Gas-X or De~Gas) at home in your first-aid kit. It can absorb intestinal gas and if you suspect your dog is developing an episode of bloat, give 2 doses to him immediately before taking him to the Emergency Clinic. Simethicone is safe for use on dogs. (For Small dogs: 1/4 adult dose; Medium-sized dogs: 1/2 adult dose; Large dogs: 1 adult dose)
♦ Be observant and be aware of the early signs of bloat. Seek immediate veterinary assistance when bloat is suspected.

Important!
If you suspect your dog is suffering from bloat, don’t waste any time. Take him to the vet immediately!