Life-Threatening Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), requires emergency treatment to save the affected dog's life. The stomach fills with air, food, or fluid and twists and traps the stomach contents inside the abdominal cavity, blocking off blood circulation. This can cause death within hours.
Giant and large breed dogs between the ages of two and ten years are most often affected and are highly predisposed to developing bloat. Nervous, anxious dogs and dogs with some aggressive characteristics have a higher risk than easygoing, calm dogs.
The signs of bloat are restlessness, excessive salivation, drooling, and repeated attempts to vomit. Some dogs will try to hide in a far corner of the house or yard so as not to call attention to their weakened condition. Look for overall discomfort and a distended, swollen abdomen that continues to swell.
Reducing the Risk
To prevent bloat, feed a natural, home-prepared diet of multiple smaller meals and do not allow a dog to guzzle large amounts of water at one time. Provide regular exercise but restrict the amount of exercise your dog has just before he eats and for two hours after a meal. This reduces the amount of air the dog swallows and the chances of twisting the stomach.
Minimize the stress your dog may experience close to feeding time as much as possible. Choose a quiet location to feed him and let him rest for two hours afterward.
Any deep-chested dog can suffer from bloat, although Great Danes have the highest incidence. Nearly half will bloat before the age of seven years. Swallowing abnormalities interfere with the dog's esophagus. This causes a dog to swallow more air and become less able to expel the trapped stomach gas.
Try to slow down your dog's eating; that may reduce the chance of bloat. Special dog bowls have raised areas inside or have a heavy chain with large links in the bowl with the food. This forces the dog to slow down and eat around the obstacles. It is now believed that placing your dog's dish on a raised platform is counterproductive, and increases the risk of bloat.
Surgery
For giant and large breeds with a family history of bloat, veterinarians can perform a surgical procedure called a gastropexy that will prevent the stomach from twisting. The stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall, which prevents it from twisting. In giant and large breeds this procedure is frequently performed as a preventive measure at the same time as a spay or neuter surgery.
