The Dangeres Of Bloat In Dogs
Bloat is a condition in which the dog is unable to expel gas from its stomach. The dog may attempt to belch or vomit but is unable to. Bloat in dogs is a veterinary emergency. An estimated thirty-three percent of dogs with bloat died from the condition.
If a dog has bloat, the dog owner is likely to notice that the dog’s abdomen has become distended. Dogs with bloat may have excess salivation. The dog may gag or squat as if attempting to pass a stool. Those with bloat are often uncomfortable and may pace.
Gastric dilation is a type of bloat that causes the dog’s stomach to fill with gas. If the stomach flips or rotates due to bloat, this is called torsion or gastric volvulus. The esophagus and small intestines may become twisted shut which prevent any gas from escaping.
Male dogs, dogs of large breeds, and older dogs are susceptible to bloat. Canine bloat may be caused by a dog exercising after eating a large volume of dry dog food. Many dogs develop bloat even if they have not consumed large quantities of food or exercised.
Neglecting to treat a dog immediately for bloat can cause the dog to go into shock and cardiac arrest. Dogs can die from canine bloat within hours from the onset of this condition.
When a dog with bloat is taken to the veterinarian, the veterinarian may insert a needle into the stomach to allow some gas to escape. Surgery is often necessary to thoroughly emptied the stomach and reposition the stomach if it is twisted.
Cases of bloat in dogs that involve torsion are more severe than gastric dilatation, because the twisted stomach and spleen may have a significant loss of their blood supply. This can cause the cells of the stomach to begin to die. Cell death is permanent and decreases the dog’s ability to recover.
To prevent future episodes of torsion, the veterinarian may suture the stomach to the abdominal wall. After surgery, the dog is not completely out of danger. Infection and other complications may occur.
Dog owners should avoid feeding a dog a large amount of dry food at a time. Dogs should not be allowed to exercise immediately following eating. Drinking a large amount of water at a time can also cause bloat.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
