Preventing Bloat in dogs (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat in dogs, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (or GDV), is one of the most serious emergencies we see in veterinary practice. It comes on suddenly, and without rapid treatment, is often fatal.

Bloat starts when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food and begins to expand. In some cases, the stomach then twists, cutting off blood flow to vital organs and trapping the contents inside. This twisting is what makes it so deadly.

Causes of Bloat in dogs

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, we do know that large, deep-chested breeds are at much higher risk of bloat. Breeds like Great Danes, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, and German Shepherds.

There are some factors that can increase the risk of bloat in any dog, such as eating too quickly or too much at once, exercise too soon after meals or stress around meal time.

Signs of bloat in dogs

Because signs of bloat develop quickly, it is vital that affected dogs receive veterinary attention early, as soon as you notice any symptoms.

These include a swollen or tight abdomen, dry retching, drooling, restlessness, or in the later stages, collapse.

Treatment of bloat in dogs

Treatment of bloat in dogs involves emergency decompression and surgery to untwist the stomach, removal of damaged or dying areas of gut or spleen and a gastropexy which secures the stomach to the abdominal wall and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Survival is not guaranteed with surgery, but depends on several factors including rapid treatment, and whether there’s been any damage to internal organs.

Tips to keep your dog safe

To help keep your dog safe from bloat, give smaller, more frequent meals from a slow-feeding bowl and avoid heavy exercise and stress around meal-time. For tips on how to slow down a dog that eats too fast, click HERE.

Dogs with parents who suffered from GDV are also at increased risk.

For high-risk dogs, your vet may recommend a preventive gastropexy at the time of de-sexing surgery.

Treatment of bloat in dogs can run into the many thousands of dollars and must be done immediately. This is why having pet insurance may help.

However, it’s important to understand what is covered under your policy. To find out how Knose pet insurance may help you in times of an emergency like this, check out knose.com.au

General advice only. Issued by Pacific International. T&Cs apply, consider the PDS and TMD at knose.com.au.

Dr Melissa Meehan is a highly experienced and respected veterinary surgeon with over 16 years experience. Dr Melissa obtained her Members in Small Animal Medicine through examination in 2008 and now runs her own veterinary ophthalmology service.