Bloat (Gastric dilation-volvulus)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as Bloat, is a serious medical condition which occurs when the stomach swells due to an accumulation of gas of fluids. Blood circulation to the stomach cells, and even the heart, may be restricted if the stomach swells too much, which can cause necrosis. The condition may become even more serious if the stomach twists due to the build-up of pressure. When this occurs, the stomach twists at two points – at the top of the stomach, near the oesophagus, and at the bottom, near the pyloric valve – which prevents gas from escaping from either end. The gas then becomes completely trapped and the stomach continues to swell. Ultimately, if left untreated, the dog can go into shock and cardiac arrest within twelve hours of the bloat developing.

Symptoms of bloat:

• Signs of discomfort such as pacing, vocalisations, flinching and difficulty standing/sitting properly
  

• Distended or barrel-shaped abdomen due to gas accumulation, which feels hard to the touch
  

• Weakness
  

• Pale mucous membranes (i.e., gums)
  

• Shortness of breath
  

• Attempts at vomiting, whilst unable to bring up anything
  

• Attempts at defecating, whilst unable to produce a bowel movement
  

• Drop in body temperature
  

• Elevated heartbeat
  

• Collapse
  

• Excessive salivating
  

• Excessive belching
  

Treatment of bloat:

Usually, the vet will attempt to release the gas from the stomach by inserting a tube down the oesophagus, providing space for the gas to escape. If this does not work or if the stomach has twisted, the next option is likely to be surgery; an incision will be made to the stomach to release the gas and determine the cause of the bloat and the state of the organ. A gastropexy may be performed, in which the stomach is stapled into position to prevent the bloat from occurring again.
There are drugs available for gas relief, which may be used in a case of bloat to buy some time until you can get your dog to the vet. Consult your vet for more information. (This is NOT enough to get rid of bloat; the dog must still receive medical attention immediately!)
Your vet may also recommend that your dog is not fed from an elevated food bowl (food bowl stands, for example).


It is not known precisely what causes bloat, but several contributing factors have been linked:

• Rigorous or strenuous exercise immediately before or after meals
  

• Dry food with a high grain content, which ferments during the process of digestion and releases gas
  

• Feeding a dog one large meal per day, rather than two smaller meals
  

• Consumption of too much water during meal times
  

• Anxiety, particularly during meals
  

• Foods with a high fat content or citric acid content
  

• Underweight dogs may be more prone to developing bloat
  

• Age may be a factor, particularly for dogs over six or seven years of age
  

If one of the above factors applies to you, it does not necessarily mean that your dog will become bloated. However, if your dog’s breed is prone to bloating, it is advisable to avoid those contributing factors.  Large or deep-chested dogs are more prone to bloat, such as:

• Afghan hounds
  

• Akitas
  

• Alaskan Malamutes
  

• Bernese Mountain Dogs
  

• Bloodhounds
  

• Boxers
  

• Dobermanns
  

• Great Danes
  

• Pyrenean Mountain Dogs
  

• German Shepherds
  

• Golden Retrievers
  

• Irish Setters
  

• Irish Wolfhounds
  

• King Shepherds
  

• Kuvasz
  

• Labrador Retrievers
  

• Newfoundlands
  

• Rottweilers
  

• Shiloh Shepherds
  

• Standard Poodles
  

• St. Bernards
  

• Weimaraners
  

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