What is bloat in dogs? If youve ever seen the movie, Marley & Me, then you may be familiar with this condition. It is an emergency condition that can be very life-threatening if not treated right away. So what exactly is it? Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), which is also known as bloat, is basically a twisting of the stomach due to buildup of gas that can cause difficulty in breathing and blockage of the veins. If not treated immediately, it can cause the stomach to die and soon after other organs to shut down, leading to death. Larger dogs and certain breeds are more susceptible to this condition and other factors such as age, weight, gender, disposition and eating habits can increase the risk. Signs to look for are: abdominal swelling, nonproductive vomiting, retching, restlessness, abdominal pain and rapid shallow breathing. If you suspect that your dog may have bloat, call your veterinarian right away. If it is after hours, make sure you know the contact information for your local animal emergency clinic. For more detailed information and tips on how to prevent bloat, check out the article below by Doctors Foster & Smith.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:00:01 +0000
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