"Bloat"
Gastric Dilatation Complex
The Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus
(GDV) Complex, also known as Gastric Dilatation/Torsion is commonly referred to
as "Bloat." This is potentially a life-threatening problem that occurs most commonly
in deep-chested dogs. Although any deep-chested
dog is at risk, Bloat has been reported most frequently in: Great Danes, Irish
Setters, St. Bernards, Standard Poodles, Old English
Sheepdogs, Dobermans,
Causes:
Although the cause of GDV is largely
unknown, possible causes include the following:
-
the anatomy of deep-chested
dogs
-
the presence of abnormal bacteria
causing gas buildup in the stomach
-
overeating / overdrinking
-
excessive exercise before or after
meals
-
failure of stomach to empty properly
-
hereditary disposition
-
changes in habits such as: hospitalization,
boarding, travel, a new feeding schedule or even exercise program
Prevention:
Because GDV is so life-threatening,
prevention is better than treatment. Owners of deep-chested
dogs should take the following steps to help prevent GDV form occurring:
-
feed the dog small amounts of food
frequently (2-3 times a day)
-
soak dry food before feeding, so
food expands outside of stomach
-
limit the dog's exercise prior to
and after meals
-
provide free access to water at all
times to prevent overdrinking
-
use only one brand of high-quality
dog food
-
refrain form giving added table scraps
to daily rations
-
prevent access to other sources of
food: garbage cans, fruit trees
Clinical Signs:
Bloat may occur with or without
twisting (Volvulus) of the stomach. Clinical signs
seen in dogs with bloat or GDV are:
-
Discomfort - the first signs of bloat
are general uneasiness and Enlargement of the Abdomen, usually after the dog has
consumed a large amount of food. The dog may pace, eat grass, Attempt to Vomit
Without Producing any vomit, Salivate Excessively, and/or exhibit signs of abdominal
tenderness
-
Distress - As the disease progresses,
the dog exhibits signs of shock: pale gums, increased heart rate, increased respiratory
rate, cold limbs, and weakness. Abdominal distension and pain become more evident
and the dog may not be able to rise. Emergency Veterinary Care Must Be Obtained
As Soon As Possible!
-
Death - If untreated, GDV may lead
to death as a result of irreversible shock, caused by pressure of the gas filled
stomach on major blood vessels and other organs; shock results in metabolic disruptions.
Another problems associated with GDV is irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
which may be severe and life threatening. These irregular rhythms may occur as
long as several days after GDV has been corrected.
There is also a concern of stomach rupture as a result of torsion.
Treatment:
The first and most important
action in the treatment of bloat is to relieve the abdominal pressure and to treat
the shock.
Relief of Abdominal Pressure:
-
Abdominal pressure is relieved by
passing a tube into the stomach to remove the gas and the stomach contents, a
procedure which may require sedation. If the stomach is twisted more than 180
degrees, however, it may be impossible to pass the tube and surgical intervention
may be necessary. Two surgical approaches are commonly used. The first involves
a 2-step procedure. With this approach, an incision is made into the right abdominal
wall and stomach to form a window through which the gas and stomach contents are
removed, thus eliminating the cause of the shock and allowing the patient to stabilize
before the definitive surgery is undertaken. (It is important that the definitive
surgery be conducted as soon as the patient's condition allows - preferably within
24 hours - since complications such as a twisted spleen, cardiac arrhythmias,
and internal bleeding due to twisted blood vessels can occur while waiting for
the second surgery) The other approach is to perform the definitive surgery immediately.
This involves major abdominal surgery which may include removing the spleen (without
which dogs can live with no complication) untwisting the stomach, opening the
outflow from the stomach and attaching the stomach wall to the abdominal wall
to help prevent recurrence. The dog can still bloat but the stomach can not twist
taking - away the life threatening emergency.
Treatment for Shock:
- Treatment for shock involves intravenous
fluid therapy to replace fluids and restore electrolyte balance. Administration
of both short-acting steroids and an antibiotic is also important. A steroid is
helpful in reversing the shock and an antibiotic is necessary because of the possibility
of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream and intestinal contents in the abdomen.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) should be conducted in order to evaluate the effects
of the GDV on the heart.
Postoperative Treatment:
- During postoperative convalescence in
the hospital, the dog is fed intravenously to allow the gastrointestinal tract
to rest and heal. In general, food is reintroduced slowly by frequent small meals,
consisting of bland or highly digestible food prepared as gruel.
- When the dog is ready to return home,
we have specific instruction sheets as to feeding and exercise requirements, antibiotic
therapy, and follow-up appointments for laboratory tests and suture removal
Because it is common for GDV to recur, preventative measures taken
after surgery are of most importance. These include:
-
Feed a high-quality diet that does
not expand when wet, or soak the food in water before serving
-
Feed small amounts of food frequently
(at least 4 times a day)
-
Feed the dog by itself in a quiet
location (crates work great)
-
Do not feed extra table scraps
-
Provide access to water at all times,
and do not allow gulping after exercise or prolonged absence from water
-
Do not exercise 2 hours before or
after meals.
-
When boarding your dog at Angelcare
Pet Resort, please notify us how much your dog is used to eating at one time.
Conclusion:
Bloat is a potentially devastating problem. It is important for
owners of deep-chested dogs to take the necessary
precautions to help prevent its occurrence and to familiarize themselves with
the clinical signs of this condition so that Professional Veterinary Care can
be obtained promptly if GDV does occur.
In the event of an Emergency
(in WI), please call:
WI Emer.
Vet (