One of the most serious conditions that we dogs can get is bloat, or to use the correct name – Gastric Dilation-Volvulus. This is seen when the stomach swells then twists, cutting off the blood supply as well as movement of gas and food out of the stomach. This quickly leads to loss of blood supply and damage to the tissues of the stomach as well as squashing the blood vessels in the abdomen causing major circulation problems.
It often occurs after a big meal when the stomach is heavy with food. It is mainly seen in larger breed dogs, with deep chested breeds such as Great Dane, German Shepherd, Weimaraner and Dobermans often affected. It is seen in Retrievers like myself but thankfully less commonly. However another famous retriever, in the best selling book Marley and Me, which has recently been released as a movie, developed GDV which eventually led to his demise.
Signs of GDV are a dog going from being well to very ill in a fairly short space of time with obvious bloating of the abdomen. The dog will often groan with pain and not want to move. Diagnosis should be fairly straightforward for the vet, although x-rays may confirm it in early cases.
GDV is an absolute emergency with treatment needed ASAP if there is to be any hope of recovery. Treatment involved decompressing the stomach, often with a stomach tube or even with a large bore tube through the abdominal wall. The abdomen must then be opened, the stomach untwisted, emptied of food and fixed to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting again. All of this is major surgery and a large percentage of dogs will die despite the best treatment due to the extreme compromise the condition causes. There is no real way to prevent it in dogs that are susceptible although avoiding large meals, especially of dry food is probably wise. I just hope it never happens to me!
Tully
Justin Billing Montville Veterinary Clinic 26 Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville PH 5445 7666
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