Know signs of bloat in dogs
Staff writer
Dear Critter: My 7-year-old German shepherd, Abby, recently suffered a bout of bloat. I thought other readers may be interested in knowing the symptoms.
When I got home from work, Abby had thrown up. About 45 minutes later, after eating a regular amount of dry dog food, Abby was in the front yard, trying to go to the bathroom, trying to throw up and when she couldn't do either, howling, crying and rolling on the ground in pain.
In 15 minutes, I had her at the emergency vet clinic. They told me her stomach was twisted 360 degrees. After signing papers for surgery, they asked me to wait in case she had to be euthanized.
Shortly into the surgery, they said, happily, she would be fine. But I was lucky. She could have died if it had happened when I was not home.
The vet tells me I have to keep her from gulping water and food and watch when she pants because it forces air into her stomach.. According to Caring for Your Dog, the Complete Canine Home Reference by veterinarian Bruce Fogle, the dog may drool, retch, wander restlessly, become listless, show pain and may go into shock.
Fogle said even with prompt medical attention, bloat has a high fatality rate because it is such a serious condition.
X-rays will confirm the condition, and the vet will try to reduce pressure by either passing a tube down the esophagus or inserting a large needle through the abdominal wall into the stomach, according to Fogle.
Then, surgery has to be performed to rotate the stomach back into place where it is secured. Usually, the spleen is also removed, according to Fogle.
Medium, large and giant size breeds, such as Dobermans, Irish setters, Great Danes, standard poodles, Weimaraners, Gordon setters, German shepherds, golden retrievers and Labradors are most susceptible.
Fogle advises that owners of such dogs limit water consumption for an hour before and after each meal. Do not allow the dog to drink large quantities of water. Don't allow rolling or other exercise after meals.
And bloat symptoms should always be taken seriously and acted upon quickly. The life of your dog may depend on it.
