Dog Bloat
(Gastric-Dilatation-Volvulus)
Dog bloat, medically known as gastric-dilatation-volvulus, 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 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.
Causes of Dog Bloat
The 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, 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. 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. Exercise Time A dog that exercises soon after a meal may also be at increased risk of developing bloat. Top
Symptoms of Dog Bloat
About 2 to 6 hours after eating:- Upper abdominal area becomes distended (feels like a tight drum)
- Excessive drooling, due most likely to pain
- Unsuccessful attempts to vomit (the dog may desperately try to eat grass to induce vomiting)
- Retching
- Restlessness
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Gums may turn bluish or mud-colored (critical stage)
Treatment of Dog Bloat
For bloat (without volvulus), the vet will insert 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. Top
Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Bloat
** For 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. Top
Prevention of Dog Bloat
Food If your dog is susceptible to gastric dilatation, avoid feeding him dry food that absorbs water after being eaten. Feed your dog fresh meat-based diets instead. 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. Water Limit your dog's water input immediately after eating. 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.
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
PetEducation.com
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