Dog Bloat or Gastric Dilatation and/or Torsion

Gastric dilatation or dog bloat is a serious condition that needs to be dealt with urgently.

The stomach becomes filled with gas and fluid and can, as a complication, twist around its own achse. This is called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV).

It is only affecting canines and breeds at high risk are the deep chested, large - giant dogs. Mortality rate is high and in the range from 10 to 60 % despite of treatment. With surgery, the mortality rate is still reaching 15 to 33 %.

What Are Signs of Dog Bloat?

Signs and symptoms of gastric bloat can become quite dramatic, but not always clearly recognizeable. If you observe any combination of the below mentioned signs (two or more) you need to seek urgent veterinary help.

• Restlessness, panting, whining.
• Excessive salivation/ drooling
• Enlarged and tense abdomen
• Discomfort and distress
• Dog is trying to throw up, but is only retching and can not vomit
• The condition gets worse in a very short time
• Signs of shock

Prevention:

With a few simple rules you can help to prevent the onset of gastric dilatation and dislocation.

• No exercising after a meal. Wait at least 2 hours after feeding time.
• Feed 2 small meals a day instead of one big meal.
• Avoid breeding with dogs who have suffered from GDV or are closely related to canine bloat patients.

---

Dog Breeds that are at high risk to become bloated

• Akita
• Basset Hounds
• Bloodhound
• Collie
• Dobermann Pinchers
• German Shepherd
• Great Dane
• Gordon Setter
• Irish Setter
• Irish Wolfhound
• Newfoundland
• Rottweiler
• St.Bernhard
• Standard Poodle
• Weimaraner
• Other, deep chested, large cross breeds