Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Bloat In Dogs

By Moses Wright

Bloat in dogs is caused by gas being trapped in the dog's stomach. The dog with bloat is typically unable to belch or vomit to expel the gas. Canine bloat is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Approximately 33 percent of dogs with bloat die from this condition.

The dog's abdomen often becomes noticeably distended when the dog has bloat. The dog may salivate and pace uncomfortably. The dog may squat as this attempting to pass a stool or start gagging.

Gastric dilation is a type of bloat that causes the dog's stomach to fill with gas. If the stomach flips or rotates due to bloat, this is called torsion or gastric volvulus. The esophagus and small intestines may become twisted shut which prevent any gas from escaping.

Older dogs and large breeds are most susceptible to canine bloat. Canine bloat is often associated with a dog exercising or becoming too active immediately following eating. Eating large amounts of dry dog food at one time increases of dogs risk bloat. Dogs can develop bloat even if they do not fit the usual risk factors.

Neglecting to treat a dog immediately for bloat can cause the dog to go into shock and cardiac arrest. Dogs can die from canine bloat within hours from the onset of this condition.

When a dog with bloat is taken to the veterinarian, the veterinarian may insert a needle into the stomach to allow some gas to escape. Surgery is often necessary to thoroughly emptied the stomach and reposition the stomach if it is twisted.

If the dog's stomach has twisted, the dog's prognosis is less hopeful than if the dog's stomach only filled with gas. Twisting of the stomach can cause blood supply to be interrupted to the stomach and spleen which can cause cell death. Cell death is permanent and decreases the dog's prognosis.

To prevent future episodes of torsion, the veterinarian may suture the stomach to the abdominal wall. After surgery, the dog is not completely out of danger. Infection and other complications may occur.

The common suggestions for preventing bloat is to avoid feeding the dog a large amount of food at one time and restricting the dog's physical activity immediately following eating. The dog should not be allowed to drink large quantities of water at one time.

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