Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus otherwise known as “bloat”.
This is a condition where the stomach fills with air and/or food and twists on it’s axis cutting of blood supply to the stomach.
It is ALWAYS a medical emergency. Literally, if you suspect bloat you get in the car, slam dissolvable Gas-X in the dog’s mouth, and call the vet on the way. You can always drive back home if you’re wrong, but if you delay you are risking a very different outcome. (Yes, you should keep Gas-X in your first-aid kit at all times, where you use it or not before it expires)
I have seen too many dogs bloat during my days of fostering Great Danes. One of my own dogs and one of my fosters bloated. Fortunately, both were saved. But nighter one was presented in the exact same way. And had I not been home – it would have been a very different outcome.
They almost always loose their spleen and have some level of necrois in the stomach and/or intestines.
Some Breeds are More Prone to Bloat (GDV):
- Great Dane
- German Shepherd
- Standard Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Saint Bernard
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- Irish Wolfhound
- Weimaraner
- Basset Hound
These breeds typically have deep and narrow chests, which may contribute to the increased risk of bloat. However, any dog, regardless of breed, can develop bloat, so it’s essential for all dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek immediate veterinary care if they suspect their dog is experiencing bloat.
Interestingly enough, I can recall vividly sitting in a training room with Wendy Volhard for the first time where she shared that Raw-fed dogs were less likely to experience bloat, and that there were far less occurrences of bloat in European countries when compared to the US.
I recently saw a post from a holistic ER vet who shared this sentiment, and Conor Brady is starting to do some additional research on this topic.