Bloat in dogs, also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), can be life-threatening. This occurs when their stomach becomes distended with food and gas, then twists inward to restrict entry/exit of stomach contents as well as restrict blood flow, leading to breathing and digestion difficulties as well as blood flow issues.
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Causes
Bloat can occur for various reasons in dogs. Either they consume something they shouldn’t or get an infection with parasites that causes excess gas production, while heart disease, protein losing intestinal disease, liver disease or tumors could all play a part.
GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) is the most serious form of bloat. This condition occurs when the stomach fills up with gas and twists around, cutting off blood flow to it and blocking air and food from reaching its destination. Furthermore, this twisting may twist spleens as well as blocking vital veins in the back that carry blood back towards the heart.
Life-threatening conditions that necessitate immediate veterinary assistance require swift action to alleviate their severity. A vet will release any built-up air or gas to relieve pressure off stomach and organs; and may prescribe fluids and medications to treat shock, pain and any tissue death due to lack of circulation.
Symptoms
Bloat (medically known as gastric dilatation volvulus or GDV) occurs when your dog’s stomach becomes overfilled with food or fluid, expanding and blocking blood from returning to their hearts, creating pressure within. As this builds, trapped blood pools in their back end and decreases working blood flow reducing working blood flow and potentially sending your pup into shock.
As the enlarged stomach twists, it clamps down on blood vessels and cuts off their circulation. Without oxygen supply to tissues within its wall, tissue death occurs within hours resulting in GDV, making this an immediate medical and surgical emergency that should be attended to immediately by an emergency vet. If your dog shows symptoms of bloat, take immediate steps. If they require hospitalization.
GDV often arises without warning and should be watched for symptoms including distended abdomen, restlessness or pacing, labored breathing and rapid heart rate. Larger, deep-chested breeds are especially prone to GDV; however, any breed can be at risk. Avoid feeding large meals all at once and providing exercise as soon as possible after eating to minimize risks for bloat.
Treatment
Veterinary care for bloat involves preventing or correcting Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, commonly referred to as GDV. GDV occurs when your dog’s stomach becomes filled with gas and twists or flips on itself, blocking access and exit of their stomach and becoming life-threatening emergency which must be treated within hours if any chance of survival exists.
Treatment begins by stabilizing the dog, using techniques like using a tube to release air and gas from their stomach in order to relieve pressure and prevent tissue death due to reduced blood flow. A veterinarian will then attempt to untwist their stomach by manually unwinding it if possible or perform gastropexy surgery if this fails, to secure their stomach to their abdomen wall in order to prevent future twisting or recurrence of twists in their stomachs.
Undergoing surgery for your pet could cost upwards of $1500 depending on where it takes place (office versus emergency animal hospital) as well as its postoperative costs and any hospital stays or treatments necessary post-op.
Prevention
Bloat (technically called GDV) can be fatal to large or deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German shepherds and Saint Bernards.
Veterinarians treating a dog for bloat will typically start by relieving air and pressure from its stomach, to prevent tissue damage and release pressure off other organs. IV fluids may also be administered for shock treatments as well as improving heart rate and circulation.
A veterinarian may suggest surgery to reposition and stop twisting of the stomach in future. A gastropexy procedure entails tacking the stomach onto its abdominal wall; it is sometimes included during spay/neuter for high-risk breeds.
