What is Canine Bloat?

Canine bloat can go by many different names including stomach torsion, twisted stomach, gastric torsion and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a serious, life-threatening issue that requires immediate veterinary care. If your dog displays any of the symptoms of bloat, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

What is Canine Bloat and What Are The Symptoms?

In dogs, bloat is a condition in which the stomach begins to fill with air. As this occurs, the stomach can begin to rotate anywhere from 90 degrees to a full 360 degrees, causing blockage to and from the stomach; making it impossible for the stomach to empty itself.

Dogs who are suffering from bloat will have difficulty breathing due to the pressure that is being placed onto their diaphragm from the expanding stomach. Bloat can also cause compression of larger veins in the abdomen, which results in reduced returning blood flow to the heart.

As the condition progresses, the owner may notice that their dog is drooling, which may be accompanied by vomiting. However, with bloat, the attempts at vomiting will not produce any fluids or stomach contents. Furthermore, the dog may become restless or collapse. Many dogs will also display signs of abdominal pain, such as whimpering or whining when being petted around the abdominal region.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Bloat in Dogs

Dogs with bloat will undergo a physical examination which includes an abdominal palpation and evaluation of the heart and lung function. Once diagnosed, the dog will require immediate hospitalization. During hospitalization, the dog may undergo additional tests including blood tests.

Treatment involves IV fluids (intravenous fluids) along with a technique which decompresses the stomach. This involves surgery in which the abdomen is cut into and the stomach is physically untwisted. Some veterinarians will recommend attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future re-occurrence of bloat; this surgical procedure is known as gastropexy. In some dogs, the spleen will have become damaged due to the bloat and a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be necessary.

Statistics and Facts about Canine Bloat

Even with treatment, up to 33% of dogs with bloat will not survive. However, owners of dogs who are at risk for bloat can take precautions to reduce the risk of bloat occurrence. This includes feeding smaller but more frequent meals and limiting water intake for up to an hour following eating. Also, avoiding stressing out the dog or feeding from elevated bowls can also help decrease the risk of bloat.

Larger, 'giant' breeds of dogs or dogs that are deep chested have a higher risk of developing bloat. This includes breeds such as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, the Standard Poodle, Boxers and Collies. However, this does not mean that smaller breeds, such as the Miniature Poodle or the Dachshund are not also at risk.

Additional Information:

Pet Education: Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in Dogs

Pet Place: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)