Causes of Bloat
Bloat in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in all cases the immediate prerequisite is a dysfunction of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the pylorus.
Some of the more widely acknowledged factors for developing bloat include:
- Increased age
- Breed
- Having a deep and narrow chest
- Stress
- Eating foods such as kibble that expand in the stomach
- Overfeeding
- Other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress
Studies have indicated that the risk of bloat in dogs perceived as happy by their owners is decreased, and increased in dogs perceived as fearful. This may be due to the physiological effects of the dog's personality on the function and motility of the gastrointestinal system. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may also be at an increased risk for bloat.
Preventing Recurrences of Bloat
Recurrence of bloat attacks can be a problem, occurring in up to 80 percent of dogs treated by non-surgical means only.
To prevent recurrence, a right-side gastropexy is often performed at the same time the bloat is treated surgically. This procedure attaches the stomach wall to the body wall and prevents it from twisting inside the abdominal cavity in future. While dogs that have had gastropexies may still develop gas distension of the stomach, there is a significant reduction in recurrence of gastric volvulus. One study showed that out of 136 dogs that had surgery for bloat, 4.3 percent of those that did have gastropexies had a recurrence, while 54.5 percent of those without the additional surgery recurred.
Gastropexies are also performed as a preventative measure in dogs considered to be at high risk of bloat, including dogs with previous episodes of bloat or with gastrointestinal diseases that often lead to bloat.