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Dog Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)Dog bloat, medically known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious condition that, if not being treated immediately, may
result in death within a few hours.
What is Dog Bloat?
"Gastric dilatation" is the condition of bloating (gas accumulation) in the stomach, whereas "volvulus" refers to the condition of a "twisted stomach".
A dog develops bloat due usually to a combination of reasons, some of which are medically unknown. The basic mechanism of bloat is, the stomach fills up with air and puts
pressure on the other organs and diaphragm, causing breathing difficulty for the dog and distension (expansion) of the stomach. When the stomach is distended, it can easily
rotate on itself (like a balloon), and the twisting can completely block entry of blood supply into the organ. As the blood supply is cut off, the stomach tissue begins to
die and the condition enters a critical stage which needs immediate veterinary treatment.
Both conditions (gastric dilatation and volvulus) can be life-threatening, although it often takes longer for a gastric dilatation without volvulus to become critical. Mild
bloats without volvulus may last for minutes to hours, and sometimes even days without it becoming life-threatening. However, with volvulus, it is a different story. The dog
can go into shock within minutes.
Dog bloat is one of those conditions that only veterinarians can determine the seriousness of a particular case, and whether surgery is necessary to resolve the problem. It is
important, therefore, that we seek veterinary help immediately if our dogs show signs of bloat.
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Causes of Dog BloatThe exact cause is unknown, but veterinarians have established links between bloat in dogs with certain contributing factors: Breeds and Build Bloat seems to be closely related to the breed and build of a dog. Large breeds with deep chests are more likely to have this condition. The Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, Akita, Basset Hound, Bloodhood, Boxer, Borzoi, Irish Setter, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinschers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdog and other large, deep-chested mixed breeds are among those that are prone to develop bloat. Researchers have also found that pure-bred dogs are 2.5 times more likely to develop dog bloat than mixed breed dogs. Age and Gender Bloat occurs most commonly in dogs between 2 to 10 years old. Male dogs are twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation as females. Eating Habits Dogs that are fed once a day are found to be twice as likely to develop bloat as those fed twice a day. If a dog is fed once a day, he is likely to be more hungry at mealtime and tends to eat rapidly - a likely factor causing bloat in dogs. Food Dry food or concentrated foods that absorb water after being eaten and expand in the dog's stomach can also cause bloat. A study conducted by Purdue University reveals that dry food that contains a fat source in the first four ingredients are more likely (170%) to cause bloat in dogs than foods without a fat source in the first four ingredients. Although no studies have been done on the effect of home-prepared diet on dogs regarding bloating, anecdotally many holistic veterinarians have reported that home-made diets can greatly reduce the risk of bloat. Some types of food (e.g. beans, cheese) can also cause bloating in dogs. Exercise Time A dog that exercises soon after a meal may also be at increased risk of developing bloat. TopSymptoms of Dog BloatAbout 2 to 6 hours after eating, a dog that is developing bloat will show the following symptoms:
Treatment for Dog BloatFor bloat (without volvulus), the vet will decompress the stomach by inserting a tube in the dog's stomach to relieve the gas. If there is also volvulus, surgery is needed to straighten out the stomach. The vet will also suture the stomach in a way to prevent it from twisting again.How to Deal With Dog Bloat
When you see any sudden distension of your dog's stomach, especially shortly after eating, take him to the veterinarian immediately for treatment.
If, however, in an emergency situation and you cannot get to a vet in time, homeopathic remedies can be used to abort the bloat or improve the condition, especially if you
can catch the bloating at an early stage and administer the remedy immediately.
If your dog is susceptible to bloat, it is a good idea to consult a holistic vet regarding using homeopathic remedies in an emergency situation. It is of course necessary
to stock your dog first aid kit with the necessary remedies.
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Homeopathic Remedies for Dog BloatFor Emergency Use Only - After administering one of the following remedies, it is still imperative to take the bloating dog to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Belladonna This remedy is appropriate if there is a sudden onset of bloating, and if the symptoms are intense and serious. Dogs needing this remedy are agitated, restless, and the pupils are dilated. The mouth and the head may be hot. Nux Vomica Dogs that require this remedy usually develop bloating some time after eating - maybe even several hours later. They will try desperately to vomit but without success, resulting in retching constantly. The dogs will also become irritable and chilly. Nux is the best emergency treatment for volvulus. Carbo vegetabilis This remedy is useful for acute bloat. Dogs that need this remedy are seriously distended and look very sick and weak, with cold legs and ears, and bluish color to the tongue and gums. They may even be in a state of shock and may collapse. Argentum nitricum This remedy is good for dogs that have a tendency to chronic bloating. Their mouth may be full of mucus and they may vomit mucus. Their stomach and abdomen are generally painful. TopPrevention of Dog BloatFood If your dog is susceptible to gastric dilatation, avoid feeding him dry food that absorbs water after being eaten, or at least pre-soak the food in water for 30 minutes before feeding your dog. It is preferable, however, to feed your dog fresh meat-based diets instead of dry food. Supplements To help your dog digest food properly, give him supplements of digestive enzymes and probiotics. Feeding Habits Feed your dog smaller portions, two or three times daily, instead of just one big meal a day. Also, remove your dog's food after a while if it is not finished. Even short periods of fasting throughout the day are very important for effective digestion and detoxification. Stress-free Feeding Time Some dogs gulp down their food because they fear that other pets in the family may "steal" their food. If you have several pets in the house, try to feed them at different times or separately in different rooms if possible. Emotional stress can also have an effect on digestion. Water Limit your dog's water input immediately after eating. Avoid "Junk Food" Keep the garbage lid on. Do not let your dog eat everything and anything - eating something not agreeable with your dog's stomach can cause gas to accumulate. Exercise Regular exercise is helpful, but avoid vigorous exercise or excitement one hour before and two hours after meals. Be Observant If your dog is one of those breeds that are prone to bloat, be observant and be aware of the early signs of bloat. Be Prepared Stock your dog first aid kit with some of the above homeopathic remedies for emergency use, and consult with a holistic vet about the proper use and dosage of each remedy.Related Topic Dog Colic References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). N. Kerns, The Whold Dog Journal Handbook of Dog and Puppy Care and Training (The Lyons Press, 2008). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). PetEducation.com TOP of Dog Bloat |
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