so that people know the signs.

Introduction Bloat, Torsion. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Call it what you want, this is a serious, life-threatening condition of large breed dogs. While the diagnosis is simple, the pathological changes in the dog's body make treatment complicated, expensive, and not always successful.

A typical scenario starts with a large, deep-chested dog, usually fed once daily. Typical breeds affected are Akita, Great Dane, German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, and Irish Setter. Sighthounds, Doberman Pinschers, Weimaraners, Bloodhounds,Alaskan Malamutes other similar breeds, and large, deep-chested mixed breeds are also affected.

Factor in the habit of bolting food, gulping air, or drinking large amounts of water immediately after eating to this feeding schedule and body type. Then add vigorous exercise after a full meal, and you have the recipe for bloat occuring

Of course, the fact that not all bloats happen in just the same way and the thought that some bloodlines are more at risk than others further complicates the issue so research into lines is important.

Simple gastric distention can occur in any breed or age of dog and is common in young puppies who overeat. This is sometimes referred to as pre-bloat by laymen. Belching of gas or vomiting food usually relieves the problem.

If this condition occurs more than once in a predisposed breed, the veterinarian might discuss methods to prevent bloat, such as feeding smaller meals or giving Reglan (metoclopramide) to encourage stomach emptying. Some veterinarians recommend, and some owners request, prophylactic surgery to anchor the stomach in place before the torsion occurs in dogs who have experienced one or more bouts of distention or in dogs whose close relatives have had GDV.


The physiology of bloat
Torsion or volvulus are terms to describe the twisting of the stomach after gastric distention occurs. The different terms are used to define the twisting whether it occurs on the longitudinal axis (torsion) or the mesenteric axis (volvulus). Most people use the terms interchangeably, and the type of twist has no bearing on the prognosis or treatment. When torsion occurs, the esophagus is closed off, limiting the dog's ability to relieve distention by vomiting or belching. Often the spleen becomes entrapped as well, and its blood supply is cut off.

Now a complex chain of physiologic events begins. The blood return to the heart decreases, cardiac output decreases, and cardiac arrythmias may follow. Toxins build up in the dying stomach lining. The liver, pancreas, and upper small bowel may also be compromised. Shock from low blood pressure and endotoxins rapidly develops. Sometimes the stomach ruptures, leading to peritonitis.

Abdominal distention, salivating, and retching are the hallmark signs of GDV. Other signs may include restlessness, depression, lethargy, anorexia, weakness, or a rapid heart rate.


Treatment
GDV is a true emergency. If you know or even suspect your dog has bloat, immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Do not attempt home treatment.

Take the time to call ahead.; while you are transporting the dog, the hospital staff can prepare for your arrival. Do not insist on accompanying your dog to the treatment area. Well-meaning owners are an impediment to efficient care. Someone will be out to answer your questions as soon as possible, but for now, have faith in you veterinarian and wait.

Initial diagnosis may include x-rays, an ECG, and blood tests, but treatment will probably be started before the test results are in.

The first step is to treat shock with IV fluids and steroids. Antibiotics and anti-arrythmics may also be started now. Then the veterinarian will attempt to decompress the stomach by passing a stomach tube. If this is successful, a gastric levage may be instituted to wash out accumulated food, gastric juices, or other stomach contents. In some cases, decompression is accomplished by placing large-bore needles or a trochar through the skin and muscle and directly into the stomach.

In some cases, this medical therapy is sufficient. However, in many cases, surgery is required to save the dog. Once the dog's condition is stabilized, surgery to correct the stomach twist, remove any unhealthy tissue, and anchor the stomach in place is performed. The gastroplexy, or anchoring surgery, is an important procedure to prevent recurrence, and many variations exist. Your veterinarian will do the procedure he feels comfortable with and which has the best success rate

Recovery is prolonged, sometimes requiring hospital stays of a week or more. Post-operative care depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment methods employed and may include a special diet, drugs to promote gastric emptying, and routine wound management. Costs may run £100's or £1.000'S in more complicated cases.


Prevention
Clearly, prevention of GDV is preferable to treatment. In susceptible breeds, feed two or three meals daily and discourage rapid eating. Do not allow exercise for two hours after a meal. As previously mentioned, some owners feel that certain bloodlines are at greater risk and choose to have gastroplexy performed as a prophylactic measure.

While the genetics of GDV are not completely worked out, most breeders and veterinarians feel there is some degree of heritability. Therefore, while prophylactic gastroplexy will probably help an individual dog, it makes sense not to breed dogs who are affected or who are close relatives of those suffering from GDV

MO

Is it okay to feed a dog after a walk?
Normally I leave it an hour before and after a walk before I feed my boys.

But I've just gone on a short 20 min walk, 10 mins walking, and another 10 exploring a new area, and since it's past 12 Milo wants his lunch but I'm unsure whether to give it to him or not?

would you recommend feeding out of raised bowls? i have heard conflicting advise about this.

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6th Jan 2008 - 22nd July 2009

The original research suggested raised bowls were beneficial however more recent research has shown raised bowls significantly increase the risk.

Raid The Wind Kennels

this is what I posted on another thread.
I just read this about the food too, it does make you think, this is someone that studied bloat after losing one of her dogs to it.

The following bloat increasing factors are controllable. Check to make sure you are not inadvertently increasing the chances that your best friend will suffer this horrible affliction:

"Gulpers" - does your dog seemingly inhale her food? Take measures to slow her down: place several fist sized rocks in her bowl (you may need to get a bigger bowl), eating around them will slow her down. Distribute the food among the cups in a muffin tin. Use a buster cube or other food releasing toy and really make her work for her meal. Try a brake-fast or dogpause bowl.
Grab your dog food bag and check the ingredients, if one of the first four ingredients is citric acid, it's increasing your dog's risk of bloating. If it includes fat among the first four ingredients, it's increasing your dog's risk of bloating by 170%
Moistening of food caused no increase in bloat risk, unless the food contained citric acid. Moistening these foods increased the risk of bloat by an amazing 320%!
If one of the first 4 ingredients is rendered meat meal with bone - congratulations - you've just reduced your dog's risk of bloating by 53%
Feeding your dog from a raised bowl increases the risk of bloat by 110%. Feed your dog from a bowl on the ground, unless he suffers from mega-esophagus or some other disease where raised bowl feeding is a must.
"Gastric Indiscretion" - the medical term used by veterinarian's after your dog has found a food source and "pigged out". Every owner deals with the issue of their dog stealing a loaf of bread (or some other delicious-ness) and inhaling the entire thing at some point. Do your best to keep anything that your dog will find irresistible out of her reach.
These days, when there is a wealth of high quality kibbles on the market, there is no need to feed one which will actually increase the chances that your dog will suffer an extremely painful and possibly fatal medical emergency. So check your food, and, if necessary, change brands. Don't feed your dog from a raised dish unless medically necessary.


MO

cool. thanks for the info.

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6th Jan 2008 - 22nd July 2009

Always like to highlight the dreaded gastric torsion/bloat myself having had a dog suffer twice fro this.

I know there are at least three threads that I have done in the past, one which I did write myself.

Will try and find them and link them to this.
DT

I know that above Mo has written that using a rasied feeding bowl makes your dog more prone to Bloat however I would recommend knowing the breed of dog you have as to which bowl to use. I have Lurchers one of which is a Saluki X Greyhound who is 4 years old. I use a raised feeding bowl for him as it is recommended for more Greyhound as it is important to consider musculoskeletal problems, which are common for retired racers or workers who often have old injuries. Eating from raised dishes can reduce strain on the neck and back and lessen discomfort on arthritic joints, as well.

I think the area that was done in bold actually say this,

copied
Feeding your dog from a raised bowl increases the risk of bloat by 110%. Feed your dog from a bowl on the ground, unless he suffers from mega-esophagus or some other disease where raised bowl feeding is a must.

I actually agree if a dog has an injury of some sort that prevents it using a bowl on the floor then you have no real option.

Mo

Thankyou for this post! I was going to buy a raised feeder as that is what I had read was best for preventing bloat. I'm not going to buy one now.