Bloat

What is bloat?

The Stomach becomes dilated by abnormal amounts of food or gas. For some reason the valve to the esophagus fails to open and release the surplus air. The food begins to ferment and create more gas – This progresses to rotation of the stomach on its axis.

A build up fluid or gases within the stomach causes bloat or gastric torsion. The accumulation is very swift and dramatic, disrupting the normal function of the heart.

The reasons leading to the dilation of the stomach are not really known and some theories include the ingestion of large amounts of food and water immediately prior to exercise.

This could be air swallowing and obstructions of the stomach outflow plus stress and dietary factors.

Research at University of Liverpool is underway and has been for some time now to investigate why this is happening to our breed and other breeds, as it isn’t just ours that is affected. No two cases are the same either so if in doubt just go to the vets.

Possible causes

A, Stress

B, Certain breeds, Giant breeds such as ours are commonly affected. And are often familial tendencies.

C, Deeper chested dogs tend to have weaker muscles

D, There has to be a weakness of the gastric attachments and this mostly occurs in the older dog.

Make sure you and your vet understand before it happens to you

IF BLOAT IS SUSPECTED YOUR VET MUST ATTEND AND BE ABLE TO OPERATE WITHIN MINUTES - DAY OR NIGHT.

He should be totally familiar with the symptoms and procedures and fully aware, that to casually dismiss your suspicions and/or early diagnosis as a false alarm could very easily result in death. Ask your vet what they would do in this scenario and if you don’t get a satisfactory answer find another vet pronto.

Surgery is expensive so please do have your pet insured so both parties are not stressing over payments. this can work out into the thousands now a days.

BLOAT PHASES AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

PHASE 1

(This phase may last between 1-2 hours. It also may not - DONT DELAY)

SYMPTOMS:                 1. Pacing, restless, panting and salivating.

                                       2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 10-20 mins).

                                       3. Abdomen exhibits fullness and beginning to enlarge.

 (This includes expansion of the front abdomen & rib cage)

ACTIONS:                       Call your vet to advise of bloat case enroute. Inform him that your dog is insured. TRANSPORT your dog to the surgery IMMEDIATELY.

PHASE 2   (Once this stage is reached, veterinary attention must be given within a maximum of 30 mins)

SYMPTOMS:                1.Very restless, whining, panting continuously, heavy salivating.

                                     2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 2-3 mins).

                                     3. Dark red gums.

                                     4. High heartbeat rate (80-100 BPM).

                                     5. Abdomen is enlarged and tight. Emits hollow sound when thumped.

ACTIONS:                  CALL VET IMMEDIATELY  WITHOUT DELAY.

SYMPTOMS:                    1. Gums are dark purple or blue

                                         2. Dog unable to stand or has spread-legged, shaky stance.

                                         3. Abdomen is very enlarged.

                                         4. Extremely high heart beat rate (100 BPM or greater) and weak pulse.

ACTIONS:                      DEATH IS IMMINENT!!! There is now no time to lose. It is probably already too late.

Please don't let it get to this stage. If in doubt, get to the vet.

Never worry about wasting your vet’s time.