GASTRIC DILATATION,
TORSION, BLOAT
No matter what you call it, bloat
can become a deadly emergency!
2001 © TheDogPlace
/ Barbara J. Andrews -
What is Bloat?
Gastric torsion
occurs when food ferments, air is trapped, and the
stomach flips or twists. A dog's stomach is suspended like a hammock so
unlike a human where a build up of gas can pass up (belch) or down to be
expelled, a dog has more difficulty passing gas from the
stomach.
 Some
of you are smiling, thinking your dog has no problem passing gas! That is when
his stomach is in the normal position, not twisted as in bloat. But passing gas
indicates fermentation is going on so you will definitely want to keep reading.
Dog food or exercise habits may set off a chain reaction as we are about to
describe and you could lose your dog to torsion. Older dogs, those recovering
from illness, a dog suddenly engaging in strenuous physical activity; many
situations can precipitate an emergency bloat situation.
Why is gastric torsion so serious? It is more difficult for a dog to pass gas
and when the stomach twists, it is impossible to relieve the increasing
pressure. Torsion sets off an inevitable sequence of events that is almost
always fatal. It can happen so quickly that every owner of a breed over 50
pounds or one with excessive skin or one that is “out of condition” or elderly,
or one that has gotten in to strange foodstuffs (farm dogs for example) or one
that chronically drinks a lot of water - in other words, all dog owners need to
know what it is and how to recognize it immediately as any delay is treatment
can be fatal within the hour!
What causes bloat? A number of different conditions can bring on bloat. Humans
can pass gas in either direction but you know what it feels like when you have
really, really overeaten. You wish you could get rid of the gas faster! Imagine
how you would feel if you could not relieve the pressure. That is what happens
as a dog’s stomach fills up with air and begins to put pressure on the other
organs and diaphragm. As he becomes more uncomfortable, the dog swallows
repeatedly, adding to the problem or he begins to drink more and more water,
both of which hasten the twisting of the ever-enlarging stomach. When the
stomach rotates, it effectively shuts off the blood supply. The tissues begin to
die and the end is near because unless surgery is done very quickly, the damage
is too great for recovery. Even with fairly prompt treatment, estimates run as
high as 35% death rate.
Will it happen to my dog? Male dogs are more likely to be affected and there is
speculation that an excessive skin-to-frame relationship can precipitate calcium
and other chemical imbalances that bring on bloat. Dogs that are fed only once a
day and particularly if given foods containing corn, soy, or other gas producing
grains are more likely to bloat. In the wild, canines can gorge until they
appear “about to burst” with no ill effects.
Some breeds are more susceptible than others and as mentioned, age, condition,
certain behavior patterns, or physical features can increase the odds of bloat.
Great Danes and Saint Bernards top the list of most likely victims according to
a study conducted at Perdue University. Those are followed by active breeds with
a deep chest and tucked up stomach such as Weimaraners, Irish and Gordon Setters
and Standard Poodles. Basset Hounds are right up there, possibly because of the
long suspension system for the stomach and the excessive skin.
Can I prevent gastric torsion? One of the most common mistakes leading to bloat
involves exercise with a full stomach, particularly during mating. Never attempt
a mating during the heat of the day. Never use a stud dog when he's just been
fed. Never allow him to "tank up" during or immediately after a mating attempt.
A stud with a belly full of food or water is not at his best anyway but more
important, the likelihood of gastric torsion brought on by the mating dance is a
very real danger.
A dog’s stomach that is "suspended" is very prone to twisting when it's overly
full and jostled about during exercise. Whether you own a stud dog or not you
should be aware. Any form of hard exercise immediately before or after food or
in conjunction with the consumption of large amounts of water is likely to
produce bloat.
Dogs that have bloated and survived need special diets. Your vet will take care
of that. To prevent a first occurrence, practice common sense and feed wisely,
bearing in mind that no breed is immune to bloat. If possible, feed smaller
meals, twice a day. There is speculation that elevated feeding position reduces
the incidence of bloat but to further confuse, there is adamant opposition to
that theory. Dogs normally eat from ground level so until there is solid proof
that elevating the food bowl is of value, I would advice feeding from the floor.
Some chew-bones promote air swallowing. Some dogs are gulpers when they eat and
while this is normal for the canine, if your dog seems to swallow air and become
uncomfortable, put large pebbles or those smooth washable decorative rocks in
his food bowl. Anything to slow him down. Remove any other dog that may cause
him to eat too fast. Re-read the above about excessive water consumption,
exercise, etc.
What Are Symptoms Of Bloat? You will know if there develops a combination of
symptoms that include signs of discomfort, restlessness, a “worried” expression,
wanting to go out but not really doing anything when you take him to relieve
himself. Symptoms will progress to aimless pacing, panting which will become
rapid and shallow. He will swallow, salivate, and he may try to vomit but it
will be futile if the stomach has already torsioned. By the time you see that
his stomach is visibly increasing in size, he will be in serious trouble. His
gums may become pale, heart rate becomes rapid and he will progress into shock
if the stomach has turned.
What should I do if I think he is bloating? You can try emergency measures
before leaving for the vet because depending on traffic and distance, and his
condition when you notice, you may be too late. Prevent him from drinking any
more water.
If you have a dog that would be considered at risk, you should have on hand one
of the over-the-counter rapid gas reducers such as Gas X, any product with
simethicone that breaks up the bubbles. If unsure, ask your vet. Administer
according to directions and based on the size of the dog.
Stand the dog upright and burp just as you would a baby. If you have someone to
help hold him, so much the better. If not, place his front feet up on the sofa,
a chair, your chest, whatever is reasonably comfortable for him. Begin to “burp”
him starting low on either side of the belly and working your way up the rib
cage. If he belches in your face, thank God and keep burping him. You may have
to let him down for a minute to relieve pressure on his back legs but continue
to burp until he seems comfortable and no more gas is passing.
If he does not pass gas, it is because the tablet isn’t working, you are not
burping properly, or the stomach has twisted. In either case, stop what you are
doing and rush him to the vet. If possible, have someone call ahead or use your
cell phone. This is an emergency situation and they should be prepared to take
him straight in to surgery, not leave you in the waiting room while they
prepare.
We hope you never need this information. If you suspect your dog may be at risk,
talk to your Vet before there is an emergency. A change in diet, feeding
schedule and habits can prevent bloat.
http://www.thedogplace.org/Articles/Andrews/Bloat&Torsion.asp
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