Dog Bloat aka Gastric Torsion

Dog bloat requires emergency veterinary care. Because the Weimaraner is susceptible to bloat (aka gastric torsion), you must be aware of the causes, symptoms, and what can be done to treat this deadly condition. Prevention of bloat is your best course of action.

High-Risk Breeds

The Weimaraner is 3rd on the list of breeds with the highest risk of getting dog bloat. According to the AKC, other breeds that should be watchful of this condition are (listed alphabetically):

• Akita
• Bloodhound
• Collie
• German Shepherd Dog
• Great Dane (#1 breed at risk)
• Irish Setter
• Irish Wolfhound
• Newfoundland
• Rottweiler
• Saint Bernard (#2 breed at risk)
• Standard Poodle
• Weimaraner (#3 breed at risk)

What is "Dog Bloat"?

When the stomach bloats, that means that it is being stretched by gas or food which results in an enormous amount of abdominal pain. Sometimes when the stomach bloats it will twist which closes off the exits for the gas/food as well as shutting down its blood supply. This condition, also known as gastric torsion (technical name: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV), results in an emergency situation of which time is crucial.

Most Common Risk-Factors of Dog Bloat

Gastric torsion and bloat typically occurs in large, deep-chested dogs. Stress/anxiety is a contributing factor. Dogs that have eaten a large meal after exercising are at risk. And it is suggested that the moistening of dry foods could cause them to swell in the stomach. Sometimes when dogs are only fed one meal a day they become very hungry so they eat their meal too quickly; For that reason, it is recommended that Weimaraners are fed smaller portions, twice daily. Other factors which could increase the risk of bloat and gastric torsion are:

• Family history (example: having a parent that suffered from bloat)
• Age (dogs aged 7-12 years are at the most risk)
• Male dogs are more at risk than females

While researching this topic I found conflicting opinions about whether or not elevated food bowls are a contributing factor. I do not promote elevated food bowls based on studies done in 1998 by Lawrence Glickman, VMD, professor of environmental health at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. According to Glickman, elevated food bowls increased the risk of dog bloat by 200%.

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Symptoms of Bloat

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Symptoms of Dog Bloat

Listed below are the most common symptoms (not necessarily all of them). If you find that your dog is experiencing these symptoms please contact your 24-hour emergency vet clinic right away. Bloat is extremely painful and can kill your dog very quickly.

• Accelerated heartbeat
• Acting funny (strange)
• Bloated abdomen (it might feel tight, like a drum)
• Cold mouth membranes
• Collapse
• Coughing
• Drinking excessively
• Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
• Gagging
• Gums are pale (dark red in early stages, then white or blue in later stages)
• Heavy or rapid panting
• Heavy salivating or drooling
• Hunched up
• Lack of normal gurgling/digestive sounds in the tummy
• Licking the air
• Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort
• May attempt to eat small stones/twigs
• May curl up in a ball or go into a praying or crouched position
• May stand spread-legged
• Obviously stressed out, anxious, restless
• Obviously weak – unable to stand
• Refusal to sit down or lie down
• Seeking a hiding place
• Shallow breathing
• Unable to defecate
• Unsuccessful attempts to vomit; may occur every 5-30 minutes
• Weak pulse
• Whining

Treatment for Dog Bloat

If you suspect that your dog has bloat, get him/her to the vet immediately. You can call your vet while on the way to the hospital so they can prepare for your arrival.

The vet must decompress the stomach (untwist so gas can be released). Generally, a stomach tube and pump are used for this procedure; sometimes surgery is necessary. At the same time, rapid IV fluids are administered to reverse the shock. Also at the same time, the heart rhythm must be assessed and stabilized.

Once stable, surgery is recommended. Surgery allows the vet to determine how much damage there is internally. If there is dead tissue in the stomach, sections of the dead tissue must be removed. If the spleen twisted with the stomach, it may need to be removed. Gastropexy is the surgery in which the stomach is sutured into normal position so that it doesn’t twist again. Without this surgery, the recurrence rate of bloat is almost 75%.

Survival can depend on the severity of the distention, how quickly the dog gets treated, if other diseases are present, the condition of the heart. Treatment is expensive and survival is not always guaranteed. After surgery, the dog is monitored for several days to watch for infection and heart abnormalities.

Prevent Dog Bloat

There is much speculation over the specific cause of bloat so it is important for you to know your dog so that you can easily (and quickly) recognize any changes which might be a sign of this deadly condition.

Many people believe that allowing your dog to drink a lot of water with meals and after exercise contributes to bloat. Referring back to Lawrence Glickman’s study, that’s not necessarily the case.

Regardless, you should try feeding two or three smaller meals throughout the day so that your dog doesn’t gulp down his/her food because he/she is starving. There are special food bowls you can buy that are designed to help your dog eat more slowly. Do not raise the feeding dish. Additionally, don’t allow your dog to exercise directly before/after his/her meals. At the same time, it is important to the health of the dog to prevent obesity. Your dogs’ meal time should be peaceful to avoid stress. If you change your dogs’ diet, make the change gradual over a week or so.

There could be a genetic link to bloat so regardless of what you do to prevent it your dog may still develop this condition. If your dog has relatives (parent, sibling, or offspring) that suffered from bloat, risk of bloat in your dog is increased by 63%. If your dog is high-risk, you might want to consider the gastroplexy surgery as a preventative to avoid the twisting of the stomach to begin with. This procedure should be done at the same time you are having your pet neutered/spayed.

Dog Bloat to Common Dog Health Problems

Dog Bloat to Weimaraner Puppies