BLOAT / GASTRIC TORSION

[Gracie]

feel free to add edit or correct me if i am wrong!

taken from website http://www.kifka.com/elektrik/bloat.htm#condition

This is one of the true emergencies in veterinary medicine

Gastric Dilation (bloat) with Volvulus (torsion), or GDV.

Simply put, bloat describes a stomach which has become abnormally enlarged or distended. The stomach is filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof. Torsion is the abnormal positioning of the stomach which is caused by the stomach’s rotation about its axis, i.e. twisting of the stomach. Bloat usually leads to torsion, although torsion can occur without bloat.  Depending on how quickly the problem is dealt with, GDV may result in a stomach that is rotated by anywhere from 90° to 360°. Severe torsion usually means the displacement of both the stomach and the spleen (they exchange positions). The speed at which the stomach empties itself, as well as the stomach’s digestive contraction pace, are thought to play a role in the development of GDV.
GDV most commonly occurs in large, deep-chested breeds, but has also been reported in Bassets, Dachshunds and cats. 
It is imperative that you make sure that your veterinarian is familiarized with the proper procedures before his/her skills are needed. If your veterinarian is not receptive to or is offended by your queries, then it may perhaps be time for you to find a more responsive veterinarian.

Symptoms
Early signs of bloat may include
restlessness
excessive drooling
abdominal pain
retching
and/or non-productive attempts to vomit.
The dog may vomit foamy mucous, or a mucousy foam may be evident around the lips.

A more advanced sign of bloat is characterized by
enlarged abdomen
pale gum color
Some people have reported early detection by observing abnormal behavior, such as not wanting to move around; or laying down in a curled up position, etc. when the dog would normally run around and play. During this early phase, stomach enlargement may not be visually evident yet. Bloat can usually be detected when you make the dog stand up and gently feel his/her abdomen. The abdomen should feel soft and tapered inward when the dog is relaxed. If the abdomen feels hard, or sounds hollow (like a drum) when you tap it gently with your hand, then your dog is probably bloating or even torsioning.
If you’re not sure, get the dog in to the veterinarian (or at least call) right away just in case–it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention
There are no sure-fire ways to prevent or predict GDV. Here is a list of suggestions :
Feed 2 or 3 smaller meals daily (as opposed to 1 large meal).
Any changes in the diet should be made gradually, over a period of a week.
Vigorous exercise, excitement and stress should be avoided from 1 hour before to 2 hours after meals.
Excessive drinking should also be avoided.
Avoid feeding food that are known to cause flatulence (gas), e.g. soy, beans, peas, onions, beet pulp, etc.
Some veterinarians advocate the feeding of large pieces of fresh/raw fruits and vegetables (e.g. apples, oranges, carrots) 3 to 4 times a week. The reason is that commercial dog food lacks the appropriate amount of roughage that a dog needs in order for the stomach to function properly.
Some people give their dogs over-the-counter anti-flatulent just before or after they put their dogs through stressful situations.
It may also be handy when the dog appears to have a lot of gas. 
On dogs known to be highly susceptible to GDV (e.g. ones that have already bloated before) discuss the use of medicinal prevention with your veterinarian.

above website also covers:
Emergency Treatment of Suspected GDV
Physiological Changes Caused by GDV
Surgery for GDV
Post-Surgery Care and Common Complications

[Anonymous]

Note my dog went from early stages to advanced stages within minutes.  Terrible pain and discomfort.  From early stages to advanced within 5 minutes –  in surgery within 20 minutes of first sign. 

Timing is crucial – if we hadnt been in house – dog would most likely be dead.  If we hadnt stopped signs then he could have lost some stomach, spleen possibly more. 

You know your dog – you know when something is wrong.  Don’t delay VETS urgently.

Saying in our house is Better to Burp than Bloat….  ;D

[Anonymous]

i found this
Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloating:

Being thin or underweight

Fearful or anxious temperament

History of aggression towards people or other dogs

Male dogs are more likely to bloat than females

Older dogs (7 – 12 years) were the highest risk group

[kizkiznobite]

and genetics – runs in lines

[Lisa33]

[quote author=kizkiznobite link=topic=4384.msg63424#msg63424 date=1155673531]
and genetics – runs in lines
[/quote]

This is what worries me with Emmy, as her mum died from it.

[Anonymous]

[quote author=fizzigal link=topic=4384.msg63418#msg63418 date=1155672575]
i found this
Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloating:

Being thin or underweight – Nacho wasn’t either

Fearful or anxious temperamentNacho not fearful or anxious

History of aggression towards people or other dogsno aggression towards people or other dogs

Male dogs are more likely to bloat than femalescertainly this one

Older dogs (7 – 12 years) were the highest risk group less than a year when he got it

[/quote]

He was also fed from height, smaller meals during day, not fed until an hour after exercise.  So dont think that if you dont fit the criteria it won’t happen.  Don’t worry about it just recognise the signs, be educated and act quickly. 

Only tick in box is that both his parents were very deep chested although neither has had bloat.  Dont know about grandparents or siblings etc.  

[Gracie]

did nacho suffer or was in a stressful situation just before it happened? as read can be linked to stress, of kennels,
and often having pups or weaning them (obv this wont affect nach)

[Gracie]

https://www.resources.dogclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4370.msg63162;topicseen#new

from vals post in above topic

”The technical name for bloat is “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus” (“GDV”). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there’s an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach (“gastric dilatation”). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without “volvulus” (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.

Symptoms
Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it’s not acting right.

Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the “hallmark symptom”
Doesn’t act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs
Significant anxiety and restlessness
One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical
“Hunched up” or “roached up” appearance
This seems to occur fairly frequently
Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)
Despite the term “bloat,” many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent
Pale or off-color gums
Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages
Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog’s tummy
Coughing
Unproductive gagging
Heavy salivating or drooling
Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
Unproductive attempts to defecate
Whining
Pacing
Licking the air
Seeking a hiding place
Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort
May refuse to lie down or even sit down
May stand spread-legged
May attempt to eat small stones and twigs
Drinking excessively
Heavy or rapid panting
Shallow breathing
Cold mouth membranes
Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance
Especially in advanced stage
Accelerated heartbeat
Heart rate increases as bloating progresses
Weak pulse
Collapse”

[Anonymous]

Early evening no stress at all.  Normal routine – had been great all day.  Didnt seem quite himself.  Pacing about looking at me and whimpering.  Next thing he goes to crate – which he never does unless we are going out or it is bedtime.  He lies down, then gets up paces about.  I knew something wasnt right – this is a matter of minutes.  He then starts trying to be sick – white froth – within seconds we were in car on mobile to vet.  His stomach was distended – solid and sounded hollow.  Carried him into surgery and screamed at vet to help him.  I remember vividly being on floor with him holding him – screaming at vet not to let him die that he had GDV.  Poor guy said I will do my best.  Receptionist then asks me what GDV was  ::)  Worst week of my life but hey ho – he survived because we acted quickly and knew the signs.  I can never thank my vet enough but if we hadnt acted quickly he could have had major complications or died.  And I want him in my life for at least another 10 years thanks.  Never realised until that day how much he meant to me.  Up until then he was “just a dog”  now I know that he is a very big part of our lives and we all love him very mudge.  :-*

[Anonymous]

Awww mudgie :-*

[Anonymous]

But nacho is fine  ;D  He just has a lovely long zippy scar on his underside almost the full length of his body  🙁

Just as well I didnt buy him to show!!!  I would have wanted my money back  ;D

[Anonymous]

😀 😀 Bless Molly sends licks to his zip :-*

[kizkiznobite]

see other post  🙂

[Anonymous]

quote :

onions

which u shouldnt be feeding anyway 😉

[Anonymous]

aw mudgie that must have been so scary  :-*

[Author]

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