What is Bloat?
Bloat is synonymous with the term "Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus." It is often called GDV. That means that a dog's stomach distends with air to the point that it goes into shock and may die.

Dilatation means that the stomach is distended with air, but it is located in the abdomen in its correct place. Volvulus means that the distention is associated with a twisting of the stomach on its longitudinal axis.

How or why does this happen?

We really do not know how or why. Original theories suggested that it occurred when a dog ate a large meal of dry food and then drank a lot of water. The water caused the dry food to swell. If the dog was engaged in strenuous exercise that included running and jumping. That resulted in the dog's stomach twisting on itself as the heavy organ was jostled about in the abdomen.

Although that is the most common explanation given, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Most of the time the stomach is not excessively full of dry food and the dog has not been exercising strenuously.  The current theory is that the stomach's contractions lose their regular rhythm and trap air in the stomach; this can cause the twisting. However, the sequence of events for most cases is really unknown.

How is it diagnosed?

Although any dog can bloat, it is most commonly seen in  deep-chested dogs of large breeds. Some of the more commonly affected breeds include Great Danes, Irish Setters, German Shepherds, and Afghan Hounds.

The Doctor will determine if the stomach is distended with air. An enlarged stomach will cause the body wall to protrude prominently, especially on the dog's left side. The swelling will be very firm and obvious enough to see across the room.  In dogs which have a large portion of the stomach up under the rib cage the distention is not very apparent. In most cases, however, the owner is able to detect the distention. A dog who experiences significant pain will be very depressed. It may lie in what is commonly called a "praying position" with the front legs drawn fully forward. Bloat typically occurs quickly, within two to three hours after eating.

A rapidly developing distended abdomen in a large breed dog is enough evidence to make a tentative diagnosis of GDV. A radiograph (x-ray) is used to confirm the diagnosis of dilatation. In most cases, it can also identify the presence of volvulus.

What happens when the stomach is distended with air?

This begins a series of life threatening events. The first event that occurs is shock. This happens because the distended stomach puts pressure on the large veins in the abdomen that carry blood back to the heart. Without proper return of blood, the output of blood from the heart is diminished, and the tissues are deprived of blood and oxygen.

The reduced blood output from the heart and the high pressure within the cavity of the stomach cause the stomach wall to be deprived of adequate circulation. If the blood supply is not restored quickly, the wall of the stomach begins to die and the wall may rupture. If volvulus occurs, the spleen's blood supply will also be impaired. The spleen is attached to the stomach wall and shares some large blood vessels. When the stomach twists, the spleen is also rotated and its vessels are compressed.

When the stomach is distended, digestion stops. This results in the accumulation of toxins that are normally removed from the intestinal tract. These toxins activate several chemicals which cause inflammation, and the toxins are absorbed into circulation. This causes problems with the blood clotting factors so that inappropriate clotting occurs within blood vessels. This is called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and is usually fatal.

What can be done to save the dog's life?

There are several important steps that must be taken quickly.

1)Shock must be treated with administration of large quantities of intravenous fluids. They must be given quickly; some dogs require more than one intravenous line.

2)Pressure must be removed from within the stomach. This may be done with a tube that is passed from the mouth to the stomach. Another method is to insert a large bore needle through the skin into the stomach. A third method is to make an incision through the skin into the stomach and to temporarily suture the opened stomach to the skin. The last method is usually done when the dog's condition is so grave that anesthesia and abdominal surgery is not possible.

3)The stomach must be returned to its proper position. This requires abdominal surgery which can be risky because of the dog's condition.

4)The stomach wall must be inspected for areas that may have lost its blood supply. Finding devitalized areas of the stomach is a very bad prognostic sign, and the dead area(s) of the stomach should be surgically removed.

5)The stomach must be attached to the abdominal wall or to a rib  to prevent recurrence of GDV. Although this is not 100% successful, this procedure greatly reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

6)Abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart (arrhythmias) must be diagnosed and treated. Severe arrhythmias can become life-threatening at the time of surgery and for several days after surgery. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the best method for monitoring the heart's rhythm.

What is the survival rate?

This will largely be determined by the severity of the distention, the degree of shock, how quickly treatment is begun, and the presence of other diseases, especially those involving the heart. Approximately 60 % of the dogs will survive if treatment is started reasonably soon after onset of signs. Some dogs may survive the initial treatment and surgery only to have areas of the stomach wall die and slough 2 to 4 days after surgery. These areas may have looked fine during surgery but were deprived of blood long enough to permanently affect the tissue.

What can be done to prevent it from occurring again?

The most effective means of prevention is the surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall. This will not prevent dilatation (bloat), but it will prevent volvulus in most cases.

Various dietary and exercise restrictions have been used, and many people recommend that:

• Dogs should be fed two smaller meals daily rather than one large one;
• A raised feeding station may help prevent excessive swallowing of air while eating.
• Exercise should be limited for at least 2 hours after eating.
• Avoid giving the dog large quantities of water immediately after eating.
• Fortunately, Bloat is not a routine occurrence but it does happen often enough that owners of "deep chested" large breeds should be aware of the potential.

If you suspect bloat, RUSH your dog to the veterinarian. Time is of the utmost importance.