Please
Be Aware
of this possibly fatal medical emergency!
Because
of the presence of bloat in our community, we feel that for the safety
of our friends, both dog and human, we need to bring extra attention
to this subject.
Here
at our facility we follow a feeding procedure in order to prevent
bloat. We add water to all dogs' meals, let it soften, and only feed
after the dogs have rested after/before exercise. Bloat can happen
no matter how we try to avoid it, but we try our best to: 1) Be Informed,
2) to Prevent, and 3) to Recognize the signs when it does occur.
Some
steps in preventing Bloat:
• Feed several smaller meals rather than one large one.
• If you have more than one dog make sure that they are calm
(to minimize swallowing air) during meals. You may have to feed them
separately.
• Do not feed your dog until 1 hour after or 2 hours before
vigorous exercise.
• Avoid sudden diet changes. Make any major dietary changes
gradually over 7-10 days.
• Be aware of the symptoms (abdominal swelling and unproductive
coughing/retching) if you have a deep-chested breed of dog.
• Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic if you have any
questions.
We
have gathered resources for our clients and web visitors to read.
Follow the links in the right column to websites that have more in-depth
information. Be Aware that the subject can be very intense and upsetting.
It is not something any of us wish to see happen to our pets, but
it does happen.
The
following information is from ThePetCenter.com http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/bloat.html
WHAT
IS BLOAT?
Canine bloat occurs when there is gas production in the stomach
and that gas buildup is unable to be expelled via belching or vomiting,
or passed through the intestines and out of the dog as flatulence.
Generally, bloat is the extreme dilation of the stomach as a result
of gas buildup that cannot escape the stomach.
WHAT
TYPES OF BLOAT ARE THERE?
GASTRIC DILATATION is simply the expansion of the stomach due to
the buildup of gas or material in the stomach.
GASTRIC VOLVULUS (TORSION) is the condition where the stomach rotates
(flips on its long axis) and thereby twists the esophagus and small
intestine closed so there is no passage of stomach contents or gas
in or out of the stomach.
HOW
DOES BLOAT HAPPEN?
The usual history is of a dog of a large breed that has recently
eaten a meal of dry dog food and then exercises or engages in some
physical activity. On occasion, though, there is no history of physical
activity.
HOW
IS BLOAT TREATED?
Treatment needs to be undertaken immediately. Time is a very decisive
factor in the success or failure of correcting bloat. Once a state
of shock begins, the chances of recovery for the patient are slight.
Even dogs that survive surgery and seem to be recovering often succumb
to endotoxic shock hours and even days after the procedure.
WHAT
CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT BLOAT?
The best suggestions are to feed the dog two small meals a day instead
of one large meal. Do not allow the dog to drink large quantities
of water at one time... have water available at all times. Do not
allow exercise or other vigorous activity for at least two hours
after a full meal. Feed a diet composed of more meats and less grain.
BREEDS
AT MOST RISK
Any deep-chested, large breed of dog is at risk for Bloat: Akita,
Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Malamute, Saint Bernard, Irish Setter,
Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Wolfhound,
Standard Poodle, Australian Shepherd, Weimaraner
