Bloat (also referred to as Gastric Torsion or Gastric Dlatation Volvulus GDV)
An acute medical condition needing URGENT veterinary treatment, where the stomach becomes overstretched due to excessive gas content, with or without twisting (volvulus).
It frequently occurs after a meal or a period of excitement.
The first signs are restlessness and discomfort, occasionally snatching at the floor or carpet and sometimes with a desire to drink excessively. The dog will attempt to vomit. Any vomit is usually white and frothy, rather like whipped egg white. As the dog tries to vomit, he will inhale air, causing the stomach to bloat. The distended stomach is unstable and likely to twist to produce gastric torsion or volvulus. The dog will be in pain and distressed and will die within hours unless treated.
The dog must be taken to the veterinary surgery immediately if bloat or torsion is suspected, as every second counts towards his chances of survival.
A tube may be passed into the stomach to treat bloat, but gastric torsion will require major surgery. An X-ray may reveal if the stomach has actually twisted.
The condition occurs most commonly in large, deep or narrow chested breeds including the GSD.
The risks of bloat can be reduced by:
* Not feeding the dog before or after exerciseor over excitement (at least one hour).
* Feeding the dog two smaller meals rather than one large one.
* Some studies have shown that soaking dry complete foods can increase the risk of bloat/torsion, so do not allow the food to stand soaking for long. Fresh drinking water must always be available.
* When feeding, place the food bowl on the floor. Studies have also found that feeding the dog from an elevated feeding bowl can also increase the risk of bloat/ torsion.
