Dog Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Bloat is when the stomach fills with air, liquid and/or food, usually after eating or drinking. The enlarged stomach can put a lot of pressure of the dog’s vital organs, causing difficulty breathing and even a decreased blood supply to the dog’s heart and other vital organs. Many people often wonder if it is dog bloat or just gas that their dog is suffering from. If your dog has an enlarged abdomen it is likely to be bloat, but if you are unsure you should always take your dog to the vets just incase it is more serious than you think.
The symptoms for bloat and a life threatening condition called Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) are very similar. GDV is where the dog’s stomach twists, and emergency surgery is needed to rotate the stomach to prevent gas build up. Immediate veterinary attention is vital as GDV can cause death in as little as a couple of hours.
General symptoms of bloat and signs of Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) include:
What Should I Do If My Dog is Bloated?
If you notice that your dog is bloated call your vets straight away. Immediate treatment is vital. It is possible that what you might think is bloat could actually be GDV, which is fatal if not treated quickly. Ring your vets to let them know that you are bringing your dog in with bloat and tell them when you will arrive. Bloat can also put a lot of pressure on your dogs vital organs which may cause difficulty breathing or a decreased blood supply to the heart.
How do I know if my dogs stomach is flipped?
What are the signs and symptoms of twisted stomach?