Bloat is the common name for gastric torsion or gastric dilation volvolvus (GDV.) It is similar to colic in horses except that it is far deadlier in dogs. Although there is still a lot we do not know about bloat, it seems to be a problem of the dog’s digestive system which may be genetic. The dog also may gulp mouthfuls of air while eating. For an unknown reason, male dogs are more likely to develop bloat than females.
Body Shape
Dogs of the shape body shape – whether they are purebred, hybrids or mongrels – will be prone to bloat and need to be supervised after they eat. At the first symptoms of bloat such as dry heaves, drooling far more than usual, whimpering or vocalizing because of pain, take the dog to a vet. The digestive system needs to be emptied at once or the inner organs may burst.
Dogs with deep chests and narrow waists are far more prone to bloat than any other body type. Dog breeds that almost always have this shape include the Great Dane, the boxer, the German shorthaired pointer, the Irish setter, the Gordon setter, the Doberman, the Rottweiler, the Weimaraner, the Saint Bernard and the Standard poodle. German shepherds with narrow waists are also susceptible, but not all German shepherds have such a build.
Bloat has been recorded in individuals of other breeds such as the Dachshund, the Old English sheepdog, the Basset hound, the Chesapeake Bay retriever, the Labrador retriever, the golden retriever, the Newfoundland, the rough and smooth collies, the Airedale terrier, the English Springer spaniel, the Samoyed and the Alaskan Malamute. The smallest dog breed that can be regularly affected is the miniature poodle.
Prevention
Any owner of a dog with a deep chest and a narrow waist needs to talk to their vets about first aid for their dogs at the first signs of bloat. The over the counter human drug famotidine (brand name Pepcid) has helped some dogs. But even with medication, the dog still needs to get to a vet as soon as possible.
Owners of deep-chested dogs with narrow waists should not feed their dogs one big meal a day. These dogs are better off having three to five small meals throughout the day. This way if they do bolt air with their food, there will not be as much contents in the digestive system to cause bursting. Any changes to the diet, including switching brands of dog food, should be done gradually. The dog also needs constant access to water, which helps the digestive system move food along smoothly.
References:
Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Encyclopedia.” Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al. Howell Book House; 2007.
ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
Pet Education.com. “Bloat (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus) in Dogs.” Holly Nash, DVM, MS. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid;=402
Pet Place. “Famotidine (Pepcid).” Dr. Debra Primovic. http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/famotidine-pepcid/page1.aspx
