Bloat: The Second Leading Cause of Death for Dogs

Bloat will break a dog owners heart. It is estimate 20,000 dogs suffer from bloat every year and unfortunately it is a quick and dreadful killer. It is caused by the rapid filling of gas inside your dog's stomach. The gas in the stomach presses on the walls of the abdomen and cuts off blood flow. In the severe cases, the stomach actually twists completely around and cuts the gas off at both ends and also cuts blood flow to the brain and heart. If the stomach twists and it is not treated,it is fatal within an hour.

Any dog can get bloat but it is more common in deep chested dogs. Afghan, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mtn Dog, Bloodhound, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, Grand Pyranees, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler,Standard Poodle, St Bernard and Weimaraner are all known to get bloat. Some breed owners like the Great Dane actually have the stomach surgically attached to the abdomen so it wont flip.

The cause of bloat is highly debatable and there is no sure answer. Many studies show that rapid eating, exercising right after eating, gulping large amounts of water and eating from elevated dishes could promote bloat. Others say diets with kibble that has corn, rice,soy and oatmeal causing fermentation that causes gas. Some say it can be passed on from the parents. Some say skinny, underweight,always scared or always stressed dogs are more susceptable to bloat. But one thing is certain if you don't get your dog to an animal hospital it can die within an hour.

The symptoms:

*distended, taut, hard, swollen, round belly (you should know how your dog's normal belly feels)

*pacing, trying to burp

*dry heaves

*biting at side

*numerous attemps to poop

*anxiety,panting

*distress, restlessness

*shock

*rapid breathing

*severe abdominal pain

Even if you remotely think you are seeing bloat in your dog, you have to head for the hospital immediately! They will either put a tube in the throat to relieve the gas or immediate surgery if the stomach is twisted. If they do not do the surgery on the twisted stomach, the dog will die.  Although the surgery techniques have improved greatly the dog still might not survive because it is such a serious ailment.

It is important to know everything you can about bloat as well as where the closest animal hospital is. You need to know what hospitals are open 24 hours. If you use a pet sitter you need to ask them if they can recognize bloat and what is their plan should there be an emergency.

There is plenty of information out there about bloat, including youtube, so do your homework. Ask you Vet for more information.

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