Large dogs more likely to get bloat

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ASK DR. JILL: DR. JILL CHRISTOFFERSON
Large dogs more likely to get bloat

I HAVE WRITTEN about this topic before, but I thought I would cover it again as it is life-threatening but can be corrected if caught early.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, is a serious condition where a dog's stomach distends with fluid and gas and rotates on its axis, from 180 to 360 degrees, cutting off the blood supply to the stomach and spleen.

It is commonly known as "bloat", although dogs can bloat without having the rotation of their stomach. It occurs most frequently in large and giant breeds, including great Danes, mastiffs, Irish wolfhounds, standard poodles, Weimaraners, and German shepherds.

The clinical signs include discomfort or pain, retching, gagging and the appearance of a distended abdomen. However, the distended abdomen can sometimes be difficult to observe in these deep-chested breeds. If left untreated, a dog with GDV will die within several hours.

Emergency treatment is required and consists of stabilization of the patient with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and pain medications as well as passage of a tube into the stomach to relieve the pressure caused by the accumulated gas and fluid.

Once stable, these dogs require surgery to evaluate the condition of the stomach and spleen, and to return the stomach to its normal position. The stomach is then permanently sutured to the abdominal wall (known as a gastropexy) so that it cannot twist again.

The surgeon may remove the spleen or even part of the stomach if it doesn't appear healthy. Post-operative complications include blood-clotting abnormalities and heart arrhythmias, requiring a prolonged hospital stay and giving a more guarded prognosis.

Predisposing factors for GDV include increasing age, a first-degree canine relative who experienced GDV, fast eating and an elevated food bowl.

Additional factors which may contribute include exercise close to mealtime, eating one meal a day instead of two or more, and eating dry food instead of soaked kibble.

Some owners of predisposed breeds elect to have a gastropexy performed as a preventative measure, when the dog is young and having an elective spay or neuter. While these dogs may bloat, the stomach cannot rotate and the condition is much less serious.

The message here is to watch your dog closely, especially if you have a large or giant breed. If you suspect that your dog may have GDV, contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately