Mission Animal Clinic and Emergency Hospital

Mission Animal Clinic and Emergency Hospital

Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143

CANINE BLOAT

CANINE BLOAT (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus) is a digestive problem caused by the excessive swallowing of air while eating, gastrointestinal secretions, and gas from fermentation of food in the stomach. This is a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY primarily found in large or giant, deep-chested dog breeds, but it also has been reported in smaller breeds such as the Dachshund and Basset Hound.

There are still many unanswered questions about this problem and a lot of research is currently investigating the problem.

The following recommendations are currently recommended:

1. Feed large dogs two or three times daily, rather than once a day, and at times when someone can observe after-feeding behavior.

2. Be alert for any actions from the dog that signal abdominal discomfort. These include: evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at the abdomen, anxiety, and unproductive attempts to vomit. Animals showing these signs should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

3. Establish a good working relationship with a veterinary hospital that offers 24 hour emergency service.

4. Make sure water is available to dogs at all times, but limit the amount immediately after feeding if the dog appears to over-consume.

5. Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress one hour before and two hours after meals. Walking is permissible as it may help to stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.

6. Diet changes should be made gradually over a period of 3 - 5 days.

7. Feed susceptible dogs individually and, if possible, in a quiet location.

8. Pay special attention to these procedures after animals return home from being elsewhere.

9. Dogs that have survived bloat are at increased risk for future episodes. Be sure to discuss preventive surgery or medical management with the veterinarian.

CANINE BLOAT

Bloat is a condition affecting primarily the large breed dogs in which the stomach simply fills with air. Most common breeds are Great Danes, Irish Setters, German Shepherds, Afghans, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This condition may progress to include “volvulus” which means the stomach has twisted on its longitudinal axis. Both of these conditions are emergency conditions!

CAUSES of this condition are really not understood. One theory is that if the dog ate a large amount of dry food followed by ingestion of large amounts of water, the dry food then swells. If strenuous exercise is exerted with the stomach this full, the resulting running and jumping causes the heavy stomach to twist from the excessive movement.

The most current theory is that the stomach’s regular contractions during the process of digestion lose their regular rhythm and traps air in the stomach that does not pass on down into the intestine. As the stomach pressure increases, the dog is unable to “belch” off the gas.

SIGNS of bloat include depression, pain, inability to get comfortable, and a protrusion most prominent on the left side of the dog in the area of the stomach. The dog often will lie in the “praying position,” with the front legs drawn fully forward.

RADIOGRAPHS are needed to determine if the stomach has twisted (volvulus).

CAUSES OF CONCERN.

1. Shock resulting from the distended stomach putting pressure on the large veins of the abdomen obstructing proper return of blood to the heart. This decreases heart output and results in poor blood and oxygen supply.

2. Stomach wall does not get proper blood circulation due to shock and pressure on the stomach wall blood vessels from the distention. If adequate blood flow is not returned quickly to the stomach wall, the stomach wall begins to die and may even rupture.

3. Spleen blood supply is interrupted if the stomach twists causing a rotation of the spleen and its vessels.

4. Digestion stops when bloat occurs. That allows the accumulation of toxins in the intestinal tract that activates chemicals causing inflammation. Toxins are also absorbed into the blood circulation.

TREATMENT OF BLOAT:

1. Treat shock with IV fluids & “shock” drugs.

2. Relieve stomach pressure via stomach tube and/or surgery.

3. Return the stomach to its proper position if twisted.

4. Remove devitalized stomach wall by surgery.

5. Attach stomach to abdominal wall (gastropexy) to prevent recurrence.

6. Monitor & treat for heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) which commonly occur for several days after bloating occurs.

PROGNOSIS. Survival rate depends on severity of distention, amount of time before treatment, and degree of shock present. Approximately 60-70& of dogs will survive when very aggressive therapy is initiated quickly.

GASTRIC DILATION & VOLVULUS

GASTRIC DILATION & VOLVULUS (GDV), commonly called “bloat,” is a potentially fatal condition in which a dog’s stomach distends with gas, food, and fluid—and then possibly rotates or “twists.” This twisting blocks both the entrances to the stomach from the esophagus and the exit into the intestines. It also shuts off the blood supply to the stomach and other internal organs. Distention and twisting may occur separately or together. When the condition occurs, every minute before treatment is initiated is critical in determining the dog’s chances of survival.

The condition is more common in older, purebred dogs. The deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Setters, and Saint Bernards have the highest incidence. The deep, narrow chest provides a greater opportunity for the ligaments that support the stomach to stretch, especially when the stomach is full.

SIGNS. If a dog with this condition could talk, he would complain of abdominal pain, nausea, and weakness. But our canine friends can’t verbalize this information, and therefore owners have to look for clinical signs. If your dog exhibits one or more of the following conditions or behaviors—especially within a few hours of eating, call your veterinarian without delay:

1. Abdominal swelling and tenderness

2. Unsuccessful attempts to vomit (retching)

3. Excessive drooling

4. Restlessness or frequent change of position, often accompanied by whining

5. Panting or labored breathing

6. Staring at the abdomen, sometimes with a look of confusion or distress

TREATMENT. Minutes matter. Prompt treatment is essential for survival. Treatment may involve only removing the gas, washing out the stomach, and then close monitoring for a period of time to be sure it does not recur. In cases where there is a possible “twist,” emergency surgery is required. Surgery survival rate is not 100%, but it is the only chance the dog has. The earlier surgical intervention is initiated, the more likely a successful outcome. Once the abdomen is opened, it is possible to evaluate the stomach wall and other organs to better estimate the chances for survival.

REDUCE THE RISK. Even though there are no sure-fire ways to prevent these conditions, the following recommendations may help avoid it:

1. Feed your dog 2-3 small meals/day instead of one large meal.

2. Gradually introduce any dietary changes over a period of several days.

3. Moisten dry food with water so the food expands BEFORE it is eaten.

4. Avoid feeding table scraps or “people food.”

5. Do NOT vigorously exercise your dog for at least one hour before meals and two hours after eating.

6. Don’t allow your dog to eat large quantities of food rapidly.

7. Don’t allow your dog to drink large amounts of water before or after meals.

8. If possible, observe your dog for the first signs of distress for 1-2 hours after eating.

9. Be especially watchful when your dog is under stress, such as being kenneled, hospitalized, or in training.