Bloat:

Killer of Dogs

By Jeanetta Wilson

 

 

 

Abstract

 

            Bloat is a deadly infliction for dogs. It can cause death in a short period of time. The studies that have been done on the various treatments show that there is relatively little chance of survival. The differences in procedure seem to have an effect on the amount of dogs that relapse, but not the amount of death caused. Getting immediate help is the best thing that a dog owner can do. Preventative measure may be able to save the life of the dog and the first occurrence of bloat. The best opportunity is to take preventative measures if a high-risk dog is involved and avoid the first, and potentially last, incident. This paper discusses the importance of preventative care for dogs predisposed to bloat. Prevention is the only way to ensure saving the dog from the onset of bloat, with 15% of dogs dying from bloat on the first occurrence, and each incident more deadly than the previous, prevention is the only secure way of saving the life of the dog.

            Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), bloat, in dogs is a deadly infliction. It is typically among large, deep, narrow chested dogs. “Diagnosis is based on clinical signs such as distended abdomen, restlessness, dyspnea, salivation, retching, regurgitation of mucus, and abdominal tension” (1993). The stomach fills with air and rotates. This cuts off anything from going into or out of the stomach including the air, now trapped inside. The rotating of the stomach also often cuts off the spleen denying the body of necessary blood. The heart is no longer able to supply the body with enough blood for survival. The result is a painful and almost certain death for the dog. With the proper medical treatment and preventative care a dog can survive this torment. The best probability for survival is given to dogs that undergo immediate surgery to alleviate the twisting and air trapped in the stomach.

            Where a dog owner takes the bloated dog is not going to make a significant difference in its chances of survival. A group of veterinarians completed a study done from 1988-1993, which studied 137 cases of bloat. The study found that among the “factors that did not influence mortality were the differences between university and private practices” (1996). The main effect of death was not getting the dog to the vet in time. If the stomach was fully turned the best thing the owner could do was to get it to the vet immediately. The vet would then, typically be able to place a tub into the stomach and release the pressure. This would then allow him to rotate the stomach back into its original position and tack it into place. While, where the dog suffering from GDV goes is not a major factor, when it gets there is. It is imperative for the dog’s survival to get immediate medical attention.

            “A pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure.” The treatment of bloat is not always successful. Many of the dogs that are diagnosed with bloat never survive long enough to undergo the required surgery. Of the ones that do 134 cases were studied over a 3.3-year period of time. In some of the surviving dogs a preventative treatment was taken to lessen the amount of reoccurrence. The results of this study showed that among the dogs that had the gastropexy technique performed the amount of them that suffered from GDV a second time was extremely small (1993). This technique fixed the stomach to the wall of the ribcage, not allowing it to rotate a second time. If the time and effort is taken to make the extra step needed for prevention, it has a very high chance for preventing a repeat occurrence.

            Limiting the amount of gas a dog has is successful in lowering the incidence of bloat. In numerous studies, compared by Giselle Hosgood BVSc, MS, it was reported, “that dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus had significantly higher gastric concentrations, compared with concentrations for clinically normal dogs” (1994). Lessening the amount of gas, in turn, lessens the amount of air in the stomach. This can result in maintaining normal amounts of air in the stomach. Since an excess of air causes GDV, prevention that includes controlling this is important.

            Preventative measures for bloat should include what is fed to the dog and when. A study done by Van Kruiningen et al, showed that dogs fed commercial dog food once daily were predisposed to bloat. This pattern of feeding resulted in the dogs having stomachs that were constantly distended and could easily undergo volvulus. Feeding a dog more often reduces the amount of distention in the stomach. A dog owner should, to help prevent bloat, feed their dog multiple times a day.

            Allowing a dog free access to water at all times reduces the incidence of bloat. A dog that is fed a commercial dry dog food has a stomach that is often distended. Allowing limited access to water encourages the dog to drink large amounts at one time. The combination of a distended stomach and the continued distention related to the water can lead to bloat. If the water is given shortly after a meal the food can swell in the stomach and increase the likelihood of the onset of GDV. By allowing the dog free access to water it lessens the amount they will consume at one time and decreases the probability of swelling of the stomach. Free access also ensures that the dog will not drink the water rapidly and swallow air at the same time. The beginning of bloat is related to the stomach filling with air, which allows it to rotate. To help prevent bloat a dog should be allowed free access to water.

            295 cases of GDV were studied over a six-year period of time. The results showed that the fatality rate was over 15% (1995). This includes standard treatment and special treatment. By increasing the treatment, time, and money a dog was more likely to survive but not by much of a difference. Some reports indicate the incidence of death as high as 60% although many of these are dogs that are dead before they arrive at the animal hospital, and dogs that are put down due to complications the owner does not want to deal with. The only way to ensure a dog does not die from bloat is to prevent bloat. Feeding a dog multiple times a day, or letting it self-feed with free access to food, allowing free access to water, stapling the stomach in place, and limiting the amount of gas a dog suffers from are all measure that can be taken to decrease the chance of bloat. Some breeds are predisposed to bloat and the only certain thing an owner can do to keep their dog from dying from it is to prevent it from happening. If a dog does bloat one time preventative measures can be taken, at that time, to help make sure it does not happen again.

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