Bloat

Additional Definition of Bloat

Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it.  According to internet sources, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer.  It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk.  

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV").  Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present).  It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").    Stress can be a contributing factor also.  Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting).  As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine).  The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach.  The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.  The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.

The following information was provided by Suzanne Fourmigue:

I have been through bloat and bloat surgery with several rescue weims.  They can be saved, but must be taken to the vet immediately.  

Symptoms are pacing, drooling, cough and unproductive gagging, trying to vomit, trying to defecate, looking around at the belly, restlessness, unable to lie down or even sit for long.  If you feel the belly it will be hard, as if full of water or a very full meal.  If you look at the dog from above the stomach may be swollen out beyond the rib cage. 

There is not a minute to waste, leave for the vet immediately, call ahead and let them know you are on the way.   

The vet will pass a tube down to the stomach to release the air.  If the tube will pass into the stomach, the vet will empty the stomach contents and gas.  They might also put hollow needles through the dog's abdomen and into the stomach to press out more gas.  

If they get the gas out of the stomach, they still should do surgery to tack the stomach to the inside of the rib cage.  This doesn't prevent future bloat, but it does prevent the stomach from torsion, or twisting WHEN the dog bloats again.  Dogs that have bloated and don't have the surgery will bloat again within hours or days, and the next time will most likely be fatal.  One thing that often happens during bloat is damage to the spleen, which can cause internal hemorrhage.  

If the tube won't go down the stomach has already torsioned.  Then they have to do surgery immediately because the blood supply has been cut off and the dog will go into shock and die within an hour or less. 

After the surgery, the dog can usually go home within a day or two.  Most recover and live normal lives.  Bloat surgery costs about $1500.00 - $2500.00 (including x-rays and diagnostic testing). 

I think one of the main causes of bloat is stress.  Often we have rescue dogs that bloat the day after surgery or being under anesthesia.  Thunderstorms, being boarded, an upset in schedule, all cause stress and Weims are very emotional dogs.   

Suzanne

 Please click on the following links to learn more about Bloat.  This information could save your dog's life!

• Bloat In Dogs

• Gastric Torsion/Bloat in Dogs

• Dog Owner's Guide to Bloat

• Bloat in Large Dogs

• Bloat In a Dog (excellent photos and x-rays so you can visualize what to look for)

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Thanks to North Texas Weimaraner Rescue for text regarding bloat and The Internet Animal Hospital for text and photos.

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