The Dangers of Canine Bloat
It had been a perfect weekend. A bike ride along the beach with your best friend, playing catch in the waves and a great cookout. But now it’s 2am and that great friend has awakened you. Maverick, a middle-aged Labrador, sounds like he is going to vomit that great dinner. He keeps trying to vomit but nothing is coming up. He keeps pacing, can’t get comfortable and his stomach looks GIGANTIC! This is the typical scenario for a life-threatening emergency commonly known as bloat.
What is it?
The proper medical term is gastric-dilatation-volvulus (GDV) which means that the stomach has twisted on itself. This is a very serious condition that can have fatal results if not treated immediately. As the stomach becomes distended with air and rotates, it causes a decrease in the amount of blood going to the stomach and back to the heart. This leads to shock, possible abnormal heart beats, and decreased oxygen to the stomach as well as other organs. Treatment involves correction of shock and surgery to derotate the stomach. Depending on the severity and duration of the GDV portions of the stomach may become necrotic and need to be removed. The most important part of the surgery is to permanently attach the stomach to the body wall (called a gastropexy) to prevent future twisting of the stomach.
What breeds get it?
Based on epidemiological studies, certain dogs are more susceptible to bloat and subsequent GDV. Breeds that have a deeper, narrower chest (such as the Irish Setter) or pets that have a first-degree relative are at increased risk of developing bloat. Feeding several small meals per day, decreasing stress during mealtime, restricting exercise before and after meals and NOT using an elevated feed bowl are recommendations to decrease the likelihood of bloat.
Can it be prevented?
Dogs at high risk for bloat may be candidates for a prophylactic gastropexy. This surgery can easily be performed at the same time as the spay or castration, both with using a minimally invasive technique. For more information regarding these procedures contact your veterinarian.
by Michael L. Huber,
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS