Pet Health Information

Gastric dilatation – Volvulus syndrome (more commonly referred to as "bloat" is a serious medical and surgical emergency. It occurs when the stomach becomes full of gas and/or fluid. Most of the time, the dog will get rid of this build up by vomiting, belching, or passing the contents of his stomach further down through the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, however, the stomach becomes sealed off, so that the gas and fluid keep the building up. With time, due to its increased size and weight, the stomach flip-flops around, twisting on its axis, this is the "Volvulus".

Although much research has been done on this syndrome, no exact cause has been found. Large, deep chested breeds, including the Great Dane, St. Bernard, Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Irish Setter, and the Irish Wolfhound, have been found to have high incidence of the problem. Isolated cases of gastric dilatation – Volvulus have been found in all breeds, so no dog is immune. It has been shown that eating large meals of processed cereal-like diets, drinking large amounts of water, and active exercise after eating may lead to development of this syndrome.

When the stomach gets greatly distended and twists, it cuts off the blood supply of many of the great vessels that lead to the heart. This causes the dog to go into shock, and can cause fatal consequences in a short period of time. Thus, it is important for you as an owner to recognize when the possibility of the condition exists, so that rapid veterinary care can be sought.

You will notice your dog acting restless and uncomfortable. He may salivate excessively and make unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you feel his abdomen, it will be distended and feel taut. It may be helpful to take a string and measure how big around he is; if he gets bigger with time, you will have a clue that he is bloating. If you notice these signs, call your veterinarian immediately. Proper veterinary care includes stabilizing the dog for shock, relieving the stomach distension, and surgically correcting the position of the stomach.

Although there are no measures that are known to prevent gastric dilatation – Volvulus, there are several predisposing factors. These are especially important in dogs that have had one or more episodes in the past. Prevention includes the following:

1. Avoid single large meals. Instead, feed 2-3 small meals a day.

2. Soak all dry foods with warm water prior to feeding. This is because these foods expand when they absorb water.

3. Feed very large dogs (such as Great Danes) from a raised platform off the floor. This is because when a dogs lean over to eat from the floor, they tend to consume large quantities of air.

4. Don’t let your dog drink large quantities of water at one time.

5. Avoid exercise for one hour after eating.

Above all, remember – Bloat is an emergency situation in which TIME is the key to a successful management.