Bloat (GDV) is a medical and surgical emergency
Life threatening and painful, it can kill a dog within hours
The gas filled stomach can twist on itself, stopping blood flow
Symptoms come on quickly and include distended, painful stomach; excessive drooling; and distressed pacing and must be seen by a vet immediately
ANY dog of any breed, age or size CAN suffer from bloat, although older or overweight dogs and large breeds with barrel chests are more at risk
Recently a friend of mine went through one of the scariest and most- life threatening emergency situations a dog owner can face.
While out on a walk, she noticed her dog was acting out of character. Normally she’s a “Let’s wait and see” person, but she decided to take her to the vet this time.
Thankfully she did because as it turns out her dog had bloat and without the appropriate treatment could have been fatal.
I've never experienced bloat with any dog, so I wanted to understand the condition itself and learn how to recognize the signs so dogs in my care have a better chance at survival.
What is Bloat?
Bloat is the common name for one of two canine stomach disorders.
Gastric Dilatation (GD), where the stomach fills with gas, food or fluid, making it expand
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), where the gas-filled stomach then twists on itself, dragging other organs with it and filling the stomach with blood.
Both cause dangerous problems, including obstructing blood flow to the heart, causing tears in the stomach wall and restricting breathing, that can send your dog into shock. Gastric Dilatation (GD) can be relieved by pumping the stomach, but Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) requires emergency surgery to untwist the stomach and save the dog’s life.
What are the symptoms?
Not all dogs with GDV/ Bloat will exhibit all of the following signs and symptoms. Even some of the most common symptoms of bloat aren’t always easy to see, as with my friend’s dog.
Symptoms usually come on very quickly. One minute, your dog is happy and healthy and the next they’re gasping for breath and suffering immense pain. In some cases sudden death occurs.
This website has good details on each symptom.
If you think your pet has bloat, get them to a veterinarian right away. If dogs don't get treatment in time, this condition can kill them.
What causes dog bloat?
While there are many suggestions, theories and urban legends, no one knows for sure what causes GDV due to inconclusive and disagreeing studies.
Research does show there are certain factors and practices that appear to increase a dog’s risk of developing GDV.
Consistent factors that increase the risk of GDV
Large to giant breed dogs with a deep narrow chest
Underweight
Having one large meal a day
Eating quickly (Gulpers/Inhalers)
Related dogs with the condition (parents, siblings)
Stress (Anxiety, Nervousness or Fear)
More complex theories
It’s often seen two to three hours after a meal, particularly when the dog ate a lot of dry food and then followed it up either by drinking considerable amounts of water or by strenuously exercising.
It is caused by a sudden change in the rhythm of a dog’s stomach contractions which results in trapped air and the stomach expanding.
All of these theories and causes remain unsubstantiated.
How is GDV treated?
GDV cannot be treated at home. It’s a veterinary emergency that requires hospitalisation and expert veterinary treatment
If you suspect your dog has GDV it’s imperative you take your dog straight to the vet. Survival rates decrease the longer the delay in starting treatment.
The treatment a dog gets depends on how severe their condition is.
The first goal will be to stabilize your dog. Vets will start with intravenous fluids to reverse the shock and slow down the heart rate to prevent heart failure. This will often require strong painkillers, antibiotics and medicine to correct the loss of blood flow to the heart caused by bloat.
Procedures you should expect and prepare for
A scan may be done to confirm a diagnosis. There are other potential emergencies that present the same symptoms as bloat.
A tube put in your dog's throat and down to their stomach to release the pressure.
X-rays may be taken to see if the stomach is twisted.
Emergency surgery will be performed to untwist the stomach and put it back in its normal position, repair any damage to the stomach and the spleen will be examined and removed if needed.
A gastropexy (in which the stomach is attached to the body wall) will be performed to hold the stomach in the correct position so it doesn’t happen again
Various other tests, including blood tests, are likely to be performed, as complications such as heart irregularities and blood clotting problems following GDV are common
Is there a way to prevent GDV/ Bloat?
Preventing bloat is hard due to there being no recognized cause.
Although researchers are still looking for conclusive evidence, Vets can characterize a typical dog that develops bloat.
Correlations to GVD
chest conformation (deep chest, narrow waist)
genetics (if family members have had it, chances are higher dog will develop it)
dogs fed one large meal fast eaters
stressed, fearful, or nervous dogs
There is no way to definitively prevent bloat or GDV from occurring but you may be able to reduce your dog’s risk by implementing safety precautions.
If your dog shows signs of bloat, take him to a veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately.
What to do if you suspect your dog has bloat
Have you heard the stroke commercial Overreact?
If your dog shows signs of bloat, take him to a veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. (Have I said this before??)
Be Prepared
Call ahead and explain the situation so the hospital staff can prepare for your dog's arrival.
Be ready to move quickly. Hospital staff will quickly take your dog to the back for initial diagnostics (X-rays, blood pressure, EKG traces, and more). You almost certainly won't be able to go or stay with your dog, but someone will update you as soon as possible
Know whether you want to resuscitate. If your dog with GDV suffers a cardiac arrest — which is not uncommon — the hospital staff can begin CPR, but they'll need your permission to do so and they'll need it quickly.
Know that GDV will require surgery to correct, specifically a procedure called a "gastropexy." As with any surgery, complications can arise.
Start thinking about finances. In general, treatment for GDV, including surgery, anesthesia, supportive care, and post-operative management typically runs from $2500-5,000, uncomplicated. so the other option to consider is humane euthanasia if surgery isn’t an option.
After Your Dog Comes Home From the Hospital
Prepare a small, confined space. It's absolutely critical for your dog's healing process their movements and activity be limited following GDV surgery. Prepare a crate or small pen for them at home.
Watch for post-surgery complications such as infection, inflammation, lack of appetite, vomiting, and pain. Complications can arise days or even weeks after surgery. If your dog is acting abnormally, or if you're otherwise concerned following GDV surgery, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the hospital where the surgery was performed.
While there is an abundance of information on how to prevent and treat bloat, much of it is conflicting. The best you can do is to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of GDV and know your emergency care options. While it may be difficult to prevent completely, one thing is clear. The quicker a bloating dog gets professional treatment the better.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
https://www.amcny.org/blog/2014/07/16/what-causes-bloat-in-dogs
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/bloat-dogs
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs