With the holidays coming on, when a lot of our usually-more-than-two-footed family members (that should include all our Dogsters and Catsters, even those with fewer than four legs) are sometimes getting more interesting food like turkey and ham, it seemed like a good time to post a reminder to watch for bloat. BTW, bloat is VERY survivable if you catch it fast enough.
This helpful report come to us from News 14 Carolina.
‘Bloat’ is a serious condition in dogs
By: Dr. Tom Watson, News 14 Carolina‘Bloat’ Should be Treated Immediately
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is an acute, life threatening condition in dogs.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus or GDV for short is almost only found in large-breed dogs. It is an acute, life-threatening disorder. But it can be treated with early recognition and treatment.
What happens in GDV is the stomach dilates with gas or air and then flips over on itself. When that happens, it cuts off the blood supply as well as everything that is in the stomach. The gas, air, and food trapped have no way to escape.
Now the cause of GDV is unknown. However, there are some suspected causes. The first is gulping food. When a dog does this, he swallows excessive air. The second possible cause could be overeating, experts say. Finally, exercising after eating may possibly cause GDV.
When discovered, the condition is an emergency. Early warning signs include restlessness, depression, belching, and gastric or abdominal distension. At that point, it would be necessary to rush the dog to a veterinarian.
Once in medical care, the dog would receive what is called an orogastric tube that is placed through the mouth and down into the stomach so the gas can escape.
Pet owners who notice such unusual behavior in their large breed dog should take it to the nearest animal hospital.
