Pet Training 101
Training Yourself to Train Your Pet

Gastric Volvulus (Bloat in Dogs): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Bloat in dogs is a very serious condition with a mortality rate of 50%. Symptoms should be taken very seriously and a vet needs to be contacted immediately. Pets have hours not days to wait.

Gastric Volvulus (Bloat in Dogs): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Bloat in Dogs
 Bloat in dogs is a very serious condition with a mortality rate of 50%. It should be taken very seriously and can kill in hours. If you suspect your dog is bloated, take your pet to a vet immediately. If it is after hours, find a 24 hour vet to go to as this cannot wait.

Symptoms of Dog Bloat

The symptoms can vary a little between dogs. Once you suspect this is the problem, seek medical attention immediately. Your dog may only have a few hours from the onset of the first symptoms until it is too late for the vet to do anything about it.

Attempt to Vomit Unsuccessfully

This is generally considered the tell-tale sign of a serious condition called gastric volvulus. Gastric volvulus is when the dog’s intestines turn 180 to 360 degrees.

According to PetMD,

During volvulus, the pylorus is pulled out of position and becomes displaced to the left of the gastroesophageal junction. This pinches off the duodenum and prevents fluid and air from escaping from the stomach through the pyloric canal. Simultaneously, the gastroesophageal junction becomes twisted and obstructed, preventing the dog from belching and vomiting. Gas and fluid are trapped in the closed-off stomach, which becomes hugely distended as the material ferments. Interference with blood circulation results in necrosis of the wall of the stomach.

Dog Does Not Act Like Self

Most people report their dog starts acting weird. The dog may want to go outside more frequently or does not seem to hold it through the night. If this is combined with attempts to vomit, then immediate attention is required.

The early signs of the problem can include:

  • The dog may seem lethargic and walk around in an uncomfortable position.
  • Additionally, the dog may hang his/her head and walk with stiff back legs.
  • The dog appears anxious or nervous

Late Warning Signals

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, your dog is in the late stages and should not wait for veterinarian attention.

  • The dog may whine or groan when touching the stomach
  • The stomach looks distended or bloated
  • Gums are a pale color
  • Rapid heartrate
  • Heavy breathing
  • Collapsing

Causes of Bloat in Dogs

The best thing dog owners can do is to prevent the illness. Some activities have been known to contribute to the illness. If your dog has had bloat or is at risk for bloat, then do the following:

  • Do Not feed the dog once a day. Divide the food into 3 equally spaced meals
  • Do Not feed your dog in an elevated food bowl
  • Do Not feed your dog dry dog food with fat as one of the first four ingredients
  • Do Not feed your dog food that contains citric acid (and if you do, Do Not add water to the food)
  • Do Not give your dog water 1 hour before or after meals
  • Do Not let your dog drink large amounts of water
  • Do Not exercise your dog on a full stomach
  • NEVER allow your dog to get bread dough. The yeast can ferment and cause bloating and even death. Yeast is a very dangerous food for dogs.

Treatment of Bloat in Dogs

If you suspect your dog is suffering from Gastric Volvulus, then seek medical attention immediately. There is nothing you can do at home to treat your dog. You will need medical help to prevent the death of your adorable and precious dog.

Gastric Dilation without Volvulus

If there is no volvulus (no twisting), then a vet can run a tube through the mouth and into the stomach. This will allow the gas to escape. Then the stomach is washed out and the dog will not be allowed to eat or drink for 36 hours. During this time, your dog will be given IV fluids.

Gastric Dilation with Volvulus

If volvulus is suspected, x-rays will be done to confirm the diagnosis. It will show up as a “double-bubble” of gas. If this is the case, then emergency surgery will be required to save the life of the dog. During the surgery, the vet will attempt to realign the stomach and intestines.

Dog Breeds at Risk for Bloat

While bloat can occur at any age, middle aged dogs are at the highest risk. Large-breed dogs with deep chests are anatomically predisposed.

Large Dog Breeds at Risk include:

  • The Great Dane
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • St. Bernard
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Boxer
  • Weimaraner
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Irish Setter
  • Collie
  • Bloodhound
  • Standard Poodle

Medium Dog Breeds at Risk:

Small Dog Breeds at Risk:

While small dog breeds are generally not affected by this problem, dachshunds are at risk.

↑ Back to Top

, , , , ,

Most Recent Articles