When a dog is suffering from bloat, their stomach becomes so swollen that it starts pressing against large blood vessels and organs, causing death in a matter of hours. This condition is the second leading cause of death in dogs, after cancer. It affects 40,000 to 60,000 dogs in the United States each year, with a mortality rate of thirty percent. Treatment options include surgery and intravenous fluid therapy.
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Gastropexy surgery
Gastropexy surgery is a surgical procedure used to fix the stomach to the abdominal wall. This surgery prevents the stomach from twisting and rotating and is an effective way to treat bloat in dogs. It does not eliminate the risk of bloat, but it significantly decreases its life-threatening effects.
Gastric twisting is a common cause of bloat in dogs and can be dangerous. The swollen stomach pushes against the surrounding organs and large blood vessels and can lead to systemic problems if left untreated. In extreme cases, if this condition is not treated, the dog can die from shock. The only proven preventive measure is prophylactic gastropexy. It requires general anesthesia and is performed with an endoscope.
While gastropexy surgery can be risky, it is generally safe in young, healthy dogs. If a dog has a chronic condition, it is important to have a full pre-surgical workup. If there is a chronic condition that requires constant medical attention, gastropexy surgery could have significant side effects.
Intravenous fluid therapy
Bloat is an extremely painful condition for dogs. The bloated stomach twists and cuts off the gas-exit pathways. A dog with this condition can die within a few hours. Fortunately, this condition is treatable with intravenous fluid therapy. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent the stomach from rupturing.
While any dog can develop bloat, older and male dogs are more likely to suffer from it. Another risk factor is the amount of food that a dog eats during one sitting. A dog may also be anxious while eating, which can cause them to swallow air.
Dogs that experience bloat should be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible to receive treatment. Sometimes, surgery is required to remove the stomach or spleen. The vet can stitch the stomach to the body wall afterward, so it is not twisted again. However, if the stomach does not spin, there is no need for surgery.
X-rays
X-rays can be helpful in the treatment of bloat in dogs. This condition is caused by excess fluid in the stomach and can result in twisted or ruptured intestines. The x-rays can be used to help determine the cause of the bloat and to help determine how severe the condition is. If you suspect your dog may have bloat, call your vet for an appointment. A doctor will run a few tests and order X-rays as a first step to determine whether your pet is suffering from the disease.
Bloat is a condition that can affect any breed of dog. It is a medical emergency and can be dangerous. Severe cases can damage other organs in the dog’s body. This can cause bleeding, shock, and even death. Therefore, it is important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your pet as quickly as possible.
Precautions
While there’s no known cure for bloat in dogs, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the chance of your pooch developing the condition. A few of the most important measures include feeding your dog multiple small meals, avoiding overeating, and avoiding dry food with oil or fat in the first four ingredients. Also, soaking dry food in water before serving is recommended. If you’re worried your dog might develop bloat, discuss it with your vet.
A veterinarian can diagnose bloat by looking for certain signs. Swelling and distention of the abdomen are often the first signs, but dogs with a higher propensity to bloat may show other signs of distress as well. These signs can include depression, difficulty breathing, and retching without vomiting. The vet may perform an abdominal x-ray to confirm the diagnosis. If left untreated, bloat can cause total collapse and may even result in death.
