WHAT IS BLOAT?   

                The stomach becomes dilated by abnormal amounts of food or gas. For some reason the valve to the oesophagus fails to open and release the surplus air. The food begins to ferment and create more gas.   -   This progresses to rotation of the stomach on its axis

                Bloat or 'Gastric Torsion' (Gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome), is caused by the build up of fluid & gases within the stomach. The accumulation is swift and dramatic, disrupting the normal function of the heart. The reasons leading to the dilation of the stomach are not really known and some theories include the ingestion of large amounts of food and water immediately prior to exercise, air swallowing and obstructions of the stomach outflow, stress and dietary factors.

                Research at Liverpool University is at present underway and will include comparing the behavior of stomach muscle in many different breeds, for whilst we know that large breeds, such as ours, are prone to this, many other breeds are also affected. The University will try to determine why some breeds are more susceptible than others are, whilst also trying to identify the coauses and possible remedy of the horrific problem of bloat in our breed.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

                A) Stress & abrupt changes  B) certain breed; Giant breeds are commonly affected and there are often familial tendencies, deeper chested dogs tend to have weaker muscles.  C) There has to be weakness of the gastric attachments and this usually occurs in the older dog.

MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR VET UNDERSTAND BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO YOU

                IF BLOAT IS SUSPECTED YOUR VET MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND AND TO OPERATE WITHIN MINUTES  - ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT.  He/she should be totally familiar with the symptoms & procedures and fully aware, that to casually dismiss your suspicions and/or an early diagnosis as a false alarm could very easily result in death. Ask your Vet what he/she would do if you rang with any of the symptoms and if you don't think you get a satisfactory answer tell him so, or find a vet that will.

                Surgery is major and complicated and the surgical care is intensive and very expensive. (£400 - £600), It is so important that your dog is insured so that you and your vet do not have to be concerned about the costs involved.

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BLOAT PHASES AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

PHASE 1 (This phase may last between 1-2 hours. It also may not - DONT DELAY)

                                SYMPTOMS:        1. Pacing, restless, panting and salivating.

                                                                2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 10-20 mins).

                                                                3. Abdomen exhibits fullness and beginning to enlarge.

                                                                (This includes expansion of the front abdomen & rib cage)

                                ACTIONS:                             Call your vet to advise of bloat case enroute.

                                                                Inform him that your dog is insured

                                                                TRANSPORT your dog to the surgery IMMEDIATELY.

PHASE 2  (Once this stage is reached, veterinary attention must be given within a  maximum of 30 mins)

                                SYMPTOMS:        1.Very restless, whining, panting continuously, heavy salivating.

                                                                2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 2-3 mins).

                                                                3. Dark red gums.

                                                                4. High heartbeat rate (80-100 BPM).

                                                                5. Abdomen is enlarged and tight. Emits hollow sound when thumped.

                                ACTIONS:                             CALL VET IMMEDIATELY - DOSE WITH ASILONE, GAVISCON OR OTHER BRAND

                                                                TRANSPORT your dog to the surgery WITHOUT DELAY.

PHASE 3

                                SYMPTOMS:        1. Gums are dark purple or blue

                                                                2. Dog unable to stand or has spread-legged, shaky stance.

                                                                3. Abdomen is very enlarged.

                                                                4. Extremely high heart beat rate (100 BPM or greater) and weak pulse.

                                ACTIONS:                             Death is imminent! There is now no time to lose. It is probably already too late

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It is recommended that a copy of this table is at all times kept within easy access for yourself, or whoever is minding your dog/s.

NEVER worry about wasting your vet’s time.