Bloat---Torsion

Tweet

This can be a life threatening disease which usually affects dogs in the prime of life. Bloat is becoming more prevalent. Bloat, also known as the overfeeding or overeating syndrome, involves a swelling up of the stomach from gas, fluid, or both. Once distended, the stomach may or may not abruptly twist on its long axis. If it does twist, but the twist is 180 degrees or less, it is called a torsion. A twist greater than 180 degrees is called a volvulus. Dogs who bloat nearly always 2 years of age or older, 2/3 are male. It affects dogs of the larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labs, Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs and others of large size (58 pounds was the average size in one study). Dogs who bloat eat large quantities of dry kibble. They exercise vigorously after eating, and tend to drink water in large amounts after meals. They have a history of digestive upsets (gastritis) If your dog develops a gastric upset which you think may be bloat, it is most important to decide whether his condition is due to gastric dilatation or torsion of the stomach. A mild gastric dilatation, not complicated by a twist of the stomach and signs of severe distress, is not an acute emergency and can be treated at home. A torsion or volvulus, on the other hand, is a life-and-death situation. Seek immediate veterinary attention. A dog can lose their life within 40 minutes of a full torsion. Signs of acute gastric dilatation are excessive salivation and drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defecate, evidence of abdominal pain and abdominal distention. If your dog can belch or vomit, quite likely his condition is not due to a twist. Torsion or volvulus: The initial signs are those of acute gastric dilatation except that distress is more marked. The dog breathes rapidly, his mouth membranes are cold and pale, and he collapses. Rush the dog to the vet. I am sending this in because I wouldn't want anyone to lose their furbaby like we did. Amani died due to a twist that the vet failed to correct the month before with surgery. We have 2 huskies now that we watch how they eat and we split up their meals throughout the day.