Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs

Dog Breeds

Clinical signs of bloat are not always easy to distinguish from other kinds of gastrointestinal distress. A dog that stands uncomfortably and seem to be in discomfort for no apparent reason could be suffering from bloat (medically referred to as gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV), or from a number of other unrelated conditions.

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Introduction

Clinical signs of bloat are not always easy to distinguish from other kinds of gastrointestinal distress. A dog that stands uncomfortably and seem to be in discomfort for no apparent reason could be suffering from bloat (medically referred to as gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV), or from a number of other unrelated conditions. However, bloat is a life-threatening condition and a true medical emergency. Recognizing the signs of bloat is extremely important for any dog owner.

When bloat happens in domestic dogs, the stomach essentially becomes cut off from the esophagus on the one end (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), and the small intestine on the other (the tube from the stomach to the end of the digestive tract). The stomach distends with gas and for some reason can flip over to varying degrees, basically twisting and closing off the entry and exit passages for food and digestive contents. The gastric acids, gasses and digestive contents inside the stomach continue to process and expand fairly normally, causing the stomach to rapidly puff up like a balloon with nowhere for the gas to go. This in turn causes pressure on vital blood vessels, reduces the heart’s ability to pump sufficient blood to organs and tissues, and ultimately causes the dog to go into shock from oxygen deprivation and very low blood volume and pressure. The stomach can rupture from the extreme pressure, which carries its own deadly consequences. Even if bloat is caught early and appropriately treated by either oral intubation or surgical intervention, many dogs will have cardiac arrhythmias which complicate their recovery. Unfortunately, recurrence is common.

Symptoms of Bloat

In the early stages, a dog that is “bloating” will be uncomfortable and edgy for no apparent reason. It will deteriorate rapidly. In no particular order, without treatment an affected dog will become increasingly restless, painful, weak and depressed. Its abdomen typically will become swollen, firm and excruciatingly painful. It may retch and try to vomit, but those attempts will be largely non-productive. Its breathing will become rapid, shallow and difficult. Its gums and other mucous membranes will become pale to blue, and it will salivate profusely. Its pulse will weaken while its heart rate races. Ultimately, without surgical intervention, the dog will collapse and die within a matter of a few hours. The most obvious physical signs of bloat are firm distension of the abdomen (a very hard, swollen belly), together with obvious abdominal discomfort. Non-productive retching and attempts to vomit are also common. Key clinical signs may include:

Basically, if your large or giant breed, deep-chested dog is “off,” is retching and trying to vomit but cannot, is restless, painful and salivating profusely, take him or her to your veterinarian immediately.

Dogs at Increased Risk of Bloating

Deep-chested, older, large and giant-breed dogs of either gender are at the greatest risk of developing bloat, although any dog of any age or breed can be affected by this deadly condition. Purebred dogs in these categories seem to be at an increased risk over mixed breed animals, and having a parent or sibling who has suffered from bloat also is associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder. Other risk factors include dogs with narrow and deep chests, once-daily feeding, rapid eating, exercise soon after eating, consumption of large amounts of food or water at one sitting, stress, low body weight and fearful temperament. Breeds commonly affected include the Great Dane, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Old English Sheepdog, Standard Poodle and Bassett Hound.

Diagnosis and Tests

Causes and Prevention of Bloat