Information on Loughborough
- an introduction to canine leptospirosis , infectious canine hepatitis - a look at hepatitis in dogs, an introduction to canine lymphosarcoma
- chesapeake bay retriever - dog breed info , curly-coated retriever - dog breeds, flat-coated retriever - dog breeds
- does your dog have diabetes , my dogs breath smells bad, what is canine infectious hepatitis?
- canine distemper or cdv - vital information , what is canine infectious hepatitis?, 13 important things you probably didnt know about parvovirus
- dog bad breath - more than meets the nose , my dogs breath smells bad, does your dog have diabetes
- choosing the right dog breed for your family , top biting dog breeds, choosing the dog that fits your lifestyle
- a common eye disorder that can lead to blindness in a dog! , important info on dog eye health, the truth about wobbler syndrome in dogs
- a common eye disorder that can lead to blindness in a dog! , important info on dog eye health, the truth about wobbler syndrome in dogs
- choosing the correct breed for you , choosing the dog that fits your lifestyle, the wonderful world of dog breeds
- advice on how to deal with golden retriever problem behaviors , dealing with golden retriever problems, how to keep your golden retriever healthy
- can my dog get the flu? , treating kennel cough in your dog, canine influenza - what you need to know
- dog skin health , how to treat your dog for skin irritations, solutions to your dogs itchy skin
- 3 popular dog breeds for families , terrier breeds, curly-coated retriever - dog breeds
- an introduction to dog constipation , the truth about canine roundworms, foods that cause constipation are not natural
- all about the irish setter , english setter - dog breeds, all about american cocker spaniels
- dog food amounts to maintain wellness , puppy feeding schedule - a daily routine is best, feeding your puppy
- dog bowl - slow down an overeating pooch , feeding tips to avoid obesity in your dog, the basic facts about dog obesity
- dog parvo - the deadliest viral disease of dogs , dog parvo symptoms - treatment & prevention, dog parvo symptoms
- canine hip dysplasia - what you need to know , is hip dysplasia affecting your dog?, help for german shepherds suffering from joint problems
Canine Bloat
Canine BloatBy Ty Magnum
What is Canine Bloat?
Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the complications of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer.
The exact cause of bloat is still unknown. Generally, it is believed that excessive eating and drinking of H2O followed by exercise can cause bloat. It is thought that exercise causes food or fluid in the stomach to cause a build up of gas. The severity of the conditions is more serious when the stomach twists upon itself within the abdomen in a clockwise rotation causing the inlet and outlet of the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply the stomach to become constricted at both ends. As a result, the constriction will cause the stomach tissue to die. In a very short time, the stomach becomes restricted of nutrients and oxygen. If not treated, the dog can die.
What Are the Symptoms of Canine Bloat?
- Anxious, restless
- Distended abdomen
- Attempting to vomit
- Excessive drooling
- Whining
- Pale gums
- Increase in heart rate.
- Difficult breathing
What Causes Bloat?
The stomach becomes filled with gas and because of several possible factors; the dog is unable to relieve the pressure. Bloat, with GDV, is when the stomach goes in to a Atwist.@ This closes both the esophagus and pylorus, preventing the dog from relieving the gas pressure which can quickly build up after a large meal. This condition is extremely fatal, causing shock, coma and eventually death. Like many other conditions which affect our dogs, the actual cause of bloat is still unknown. Several factor seem to contribute to a dogs chances of getting bloat
- Stress
- Eating or drinking too fast.
- Exercise before and immediately after eating
- Having a large deep chest
- Elevated food bowls
- Hereditary
- Disposition
Are All Dogs At Risk Canine Bloat?
Canine bloat and GDV usually only effects large breed dogs, however smaller dogs are still susceptible.. It is thought that some lines of breeds are genetically at a higher risk. Though bloat can occur in puppies, it is a condition which usually occurs in adult dogs. Furthermore,male dogs are more likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs. Here is a list of some breeds that have a higher odds of being effected by bloat and GDV.
- German Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Standard Poodle
- Rottweiler
- Akita
- Bloodhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Irish Setter
- Old English Sheepdog
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Irish Wolfhound
- St. Bernards
- Labrador Retriever
- Newfoundland
- Doberman
What Is the Treatment of Dog Bloat?
Canine bloat is a very serious problem. If you suspect your dog of having bloat, contact your vet immediately. Every second counts! If caught and diagnosed quick enough, initial treatment will involve inserting a tube or tochar in to the stomach wall to remove the gas. If necessary, the vet will then operate, attempting to untwist the stomach. Secondary treatment will involve treating shock, dehydration, fatigue, and other complications resulting from the distension of the stomach.
Is There Any Way To Prevent Dog Bloat?
Prevention of bloat can be difficult. Because there are so many possible causes for this condition, prevention must be examined on an individual basis. If you have a dog that is at risk there are a few of things that you can do to decrease the chances of this fatal condition. Since bloat is believed to be connected with genetics and hereditary, these preventive measures can only decrease the chances of bloat.
- Do not overfeed. Feed 2-3 small meals a day.
- Do not use elevated food bowls
- Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of H2O after eating.
- Add an enzyme product to your dogs food
- Keep emergency veterinary contact handy
- Gastropexy surgery
This only provides BASIC information about canine bloat. Your veterinarian is always your greatest source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Canine Bloat and GDV and its prevention.
For more Boxer information, visit BoxerHub.Com or for great information on Doberman Pinscher Dogs - check out dobermanhub.com
Canine Bloat - What You Need to Know
Canine Bloat - What You Need to KnowBy Ty Magnum
Canine Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (or GDV), is a is a condition that occurs when a dog's esophagus becomes twisted, preventing your dog from either vomiting or belching to reduce the pressures of gases , food, and water (H20) trapped in the stomach.
Bloat typically affects large dog breeds that are fed once per day. We've all seen a puppy eat too much and laughed at how their small bellies swell like balloons. This isn't GDV, it's more the precurser. Generally, the dog will either belch to relieve the pressure of gases or vomit the excess food that the human body can't handle.
GDV occurs when a dog or canine eats an extra-large meal, drinks water, then engages in vigorous activity immediately thereafter. In the simplest terms, the extra weight in the stomach causes the stomach to twist, thus pinching off the esophagus, or putting dangerous pressure on other organs like the spleen.
Preventing the condition is a combination of a few of things:
First, feed your dog 2 or 3 smaller meals each day in place of one large meal once per day. This will prevent the dog from carryingan extra large weight of digesting food in its stomach. The less weight in a dog's stomach, the less likely canine bloat is to occur.
Second, don't let your dog engage in vigorous activity immediately after eating. Think back to your mom telling you to wait 30 minutes after eating before you could go swimming. The same principle applies. Resting and allowing the digestive process to properly begin while allowing the gases caused by digestion to be belched out will greatly cut the risk of canine bloat.
Canine bloat is a life-threatening emergency that generally calls for immediate surgery. Prevention can save your dog a terrible experience and you a monster vet bill.
Click here for more information and details on Boxer Dogs or, click here for info on Doberman Pinscher Dogs
,The Fear of Gastric Torsion Or Bloat in Dogs
The Fear of Gastric Torsion Or Bloat in DogsBy
Just the words torsion or bloat will bring great fear to any dog owner, particularly those with large chested dogs who seem to be especially vulnerable.
Though bloat is most common in dogs over a year old younger dogs can be affected also. There isn't any one known cause for bloat however some of the things that may contribute to the problem include, eating to quickly, gulping down the food or water, too much rigorous exercise right before or after eating, feeding only once a day, nervousness and stress.
Some of the symptoms may be non-productive vomiting producing just foam, panting, restlessness, gums may be pale. The stomach will enlarge and feel tight, sounding like a drum. This is caused by gasses building up. The dog may seem unable to select a comfortable position even on his favorite dog bed, may pace, dig or show anxiety.
When the stomach begins to turn, torsion, the blood supplies and nerve function are cut off. The dog will go into shock and must be taken to a vet immediately! If the pressure can't be relieved by inserting a tube into the stomach to allow the gasses to be released then surgery is the only option. Timing is everything.
X-rays will confirm if the dog is in torsion. Vital signs need to be stabilized and surgery preformed and even then many dogs can die fromcardiac problems afterward.
It is believed that torsion could possibly be an inherited tendency so it is important to know your dog's history. Some people may choose to have a preventive surgery dome such as intercostal gastropexy where the stomach is attached to the abdominal wall so it can't twist.
Some of the things we did to prepare for this possibly deadly problem are, starting with our puppy early to get him to eat slowly. We would let him eat a few bites, make him stop, then a few more. Even to this day he is a very slow eater and is also not protective of his food...an added benefit. We watch his rowdy play particularly around feeding time and limit it. His food and H2O are in elevated dishes. And probably most important, we are aware that it could happen and have a reliable and competent vet!
Remember, time is vital, there is none to waste if you suspect this deadly problem. Awareness and quick action may save the life of your beloved pet.
M. Swan owner http://www.spoilyourpetsshop.com