Bloat in Dogs
What is bloat?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as GDV, gastric torsion or bloat, is a rapidly developing and life-threatening condition.
The stomach first fills and expands with gas, fluid or food. In GDV, the enlarged stomach then twists, trapping its contents and restricting its blood supply.
The swollen stomach can place pressure on nearby organs and major blood vessels. This can reduce the amount of blood returning to the heart, affect breathing and quickly lead to shock, tissue damage and organ failure.
Symptoms of GDV
Symptoms can develop very quickly and may include:
- Repeated retching or trying to vomit without bringing anything up
- A swollen, tight or painful abdomen
- Restlessness, pacing or being unable to settle
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Pale gums
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness or collapse
A swollen abdomen is not always immediately obvious, particularly in a deep-chested dog where the stomach may be positioned beneath the ribcage.
What causes GDV?
The precise cause is not fully understood. GDV is considered a complex condition involving a combination of genetic, anatomical and environmental factors.
Factors associated with an increased risk include:
- Having a large or deep, narrow chest
- Increasing age
- Having a close relative that has suffered from GDV
- Eating a large meal very quickly
- Eating only one large meal each day
- Being anxious, nervous or easily stressed
GDV can occur without an obvious cause, and it can affect a dog even when an owner has taken sensible precautions.
Which dogs are most at risk?
GDV can occur in any dog, but it is most frequently seen in large and giant breeds with deep chests. The risk also tends to increase with age.
Breeds commonly considered to be at greater risk include:
- Great Dane
- German Shepherd Dog
- Irish Setter and Gordon Setter
- Irish Wolfhound
- Saint Bernard
- Weimaraner
- Standard Poodle
- Bloodhound
- Basset Hound
Collies have also been included on some lists of breeds that may be affected. However, breed alone does not determine whether a dog will develop GDV.
Diagnosis and emergency treatment
A veterinary surgeon will examine the dog and may take X-rays to distinguish a simple enlargement of the stomach from a twisted stomach.
Emergency treatment usually begins with intravenous fluids and other measures to treat shock and stabilise the dog. Pressure within the stomach must then be relieved.
If the stomach has twisted, emergency surgery is required to return it to its normal position. The veterinary surgeon will also examine the stomach and surrounding organs for damage.
Gastropexy
During surgery, the stomach will usually be permanently attached to the abdominal wall in a procedure known as a gastropexy. This helps prevent the stomach from twisting again, although it does not prevent the stomach from becoming enlarged with gas.
A preventative gastropexy may sometimes be discussed with the owners of dogs considered to be at particularly high risk. This should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon, who can explain the possible benefits and risks for the individual dog.
Reducing the risk
It is impossible to prevent every case of GDV, but sensible measures may include:
- Feeding two or more smaller meals instead of one large meal
- Preventing a dog from eating its food too quickly
- Avoiding sudden changes to the dog’s diet
- Keeping feeding times as calm as possible
- Discussing individual risk factors with your veterinary surgeon
These precautions cannot guarantee that GDV will not occur. Knowing the warning signs and seeking immediate veterinary treatment remain extremely important.
