How to Recognize and Provide Treatment for Canine Bloat

Large, deep chested dogs, such as Great Danes, are more susceptible to bloat.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Syndrome, or bloat, is a life-threatening condition in dogs. During gastric dilation, the stomach fills with air placing pressure on the surrounding tissues. Volvulus occurs if the pressure is not relieved. The stomach twists blocking the blood supply and causing tissue death. Deep, narrow-chested dog are most susceptible. Bloat is associated with older dogs, dogs fed one daily meal, dogs that quickly eat their meals and lineages with a history of bloat. Anxious or aggressive dogs may be at a higher risk.

Instructions

1. Look for initial symptoms associated with a painful abdomen: anxiety and discomfort, unwillingness to lie down, excessive drooling, and retching up a white, foamy liquid.

2. Examine the abdomen for swelling. Tap the dog's belly with a finger to test for a tight, drum-like feel. The swelling can occur farther up beneath the ribcage making this symptom more difficult to detect.

3. Lift the dog's lips and observe the gums. Bubblegum pink is a healthy color. Muddy-colored gums are a symptom of bloat. Press a finger to the gums, release and note how long it takes for the color to return to the gums. A time longer than one second indicates poor capillary refill caused by poor return blood flow to the heart.

4. Observe the dog's breathing. Pressure exerted against the diaphragm makes breathing difficult resulting in panting.

5. Seek immediate medical care from your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for symptoms of bloat in dogs that are most susceptible: great danes, St. Bernards, standard poodles, rottweilers, doberman pinschers, weimaraners, Irish setters and Gordon setters.

• A dog will have a better chance of recovery if you recognize these symptoms early and seek immediate treatment.

• Bloat surgery runs typically between $2,000 and $4,000.

• There are no treatments that you can do at home for bloat. Early recognition of the symptoms and immediate veterinary care are your dog's best options.

• Bloat can be fatal to a dog in six to eight hours, and its chances of survival decrease as the syndrome progresses.

References

• American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Gastric Dilation/Volvulus Syndrome in Dogs
• Veterinary Information Network: Gastric Dilation-Volvulus: Risk Factors and Some New Minimally Invasive Gastropexy Techniques
• International Veterinary Information Service: Gastric Dilation Volvulus: What's New?