How long does it take for a dog to show signs of bloat? The Ultimate Guide

How can you prevent bloat in dogs?

The most effective way to prevent GDV is a prophylactic gastropexy. In high-risk dogs, there is no need to wait until they bloat to tack their stomachs. A prophylactic gastropexy is a surgery where the stomach is permanently sutured to the body wall to prevent it from flipping if it ever bloats.

If you’re worried about your dog’s risk for GDV, talk to your veterinarian about this procedure. Oftentimes, the procedure can be performed at the same time as a spay or neuter. Plus, there are minimally invasive techniques that can make it a relatively simple surgery.

A few weeks after Koda recovered from his ordeal, his mom brought his sister, Scout, to see me. Remember—having a close relative that has bloated is the main risk factor for GDV, and Koda’s owner did not want Scout to go through it too. We were able to get Scout in for a prophylactic gastropexy (much less stressful than an emergency one!) and she recovered beautifully.

Are some dogs more prone than others?

Yes. Statistically, we know that large, deep-chested breeds are more prone to GDV. Predisposed breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs. In a recent study, the top three breeds found to be at risk of bloat were 1) Great Dane, 2) St. Bernard, and 3) Weimaraner. It must be noted, however, that any dog can bloat, even Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. The condition has been reported to most commonly occur two to three hours after eating a large meal, although bloat and GDV can occur at any time.

Additional facts about GDV:

Dogs weighing over 100 pounds have approximately a 20% risk of bloat during their lifetime.

Gastric dilatation (bloat), usually without volvulus (twist), occasionally occurs in elderly small dogs.

The distended stomach pushes the posterior rib cage so that the dog appears swollen or “bloated”. This is most obvious on the left side. Gentle tapping of the swelling just behind the last rib often produces hollow, drum-like sounds.

The enlarged stomach presses on the diaphragm and breathing becomes labored.

The swollen stomach presses on the larger blood vessels in the abdomen and circulation is seriously compromised, resulting in systemic shock.

Ultimately, the dog collapses and the distended abdomen becomes readily apparent as the dog lies on its side.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloat:

Feeding only one meal a day

Having a family history of bloat (i.e., a parent or sibling that has suffered from this condition)

Rapid eating

Being thin or underweight

Having a fearful, anxious, or nervous temperament

Having a history of aggression toward people or other animals

Male sex are more likely to bloat than females

Older dogs (aged above 7 years old)) were the highest risk group in a recent study

Eating moistened dry food, especially if citric acid is used as a preservative

Factors Decreasing the Risk of Bloat:

Eating two or more meals per day

Adding canned dog food to the diet

Having a relaxed, contented or easy-going temperament

Feeding a dry food containing a calcium-rich meat meal (such as meat/lamb meal, fish meal, chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or bone meal) listed in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list

Would you want to know about a deadly but preventable condition that could affect your dog? Of course! Unfortunately, we so often find that owners of dogs with this condition had no idea it even existed before it was actively threatening their pet’s life. We want to educate pet owners about this dangerous condition before they are faced with a critically ill pet and the costly surgery that will be necessary to save the pet’s life.

Surgery is required to untwist the stomach and return it to its appropriate position. The surgery also allows the veterinarian to assess the amount of damage caused by the lack of blood flow due to the twisted stomach. If there is any tissue that is damaged it will be removed. In extreme cases where the condition has been left untreated for a longer time period, there may be too little live tissue to salvage. With appropriate pre-surgical diagnostics, pet owners can be informed of this risk in most cases prior to pursuing surgery.

Treatment for GDV should be sought out as soon as possible to increase the dogs chance of survival. The severity of the case determines the treatment recommendation for the affected dog. At VMC, we aim for rapid confirmation of diagnosis, attending to patient comfort (by release of as much gas pressure as possible and with pain medications), and for rapid stabilization and preparation for surgery. Dogs that are bloated without volvulus can normally be treated non-surgically.

Bloat can occur at any age, but is most often seen in middle aged dogs. Research from Purdue University found that risk increased 20% per each year of age. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons states that nearly all breeds have been reported to have had gastric dilatation (with or without volvulus), but the condition is seen most commonly in large breed dogs with deep chests. These dogs are normally much taller than they are wide, creating a high “height to width ratio.” According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes are 5 to 8 times more likely to bloat than a dog with a low height to width ratio.

“I strongly recommend that all giant breeds and other at risk breeds have a preventive gastropexy performed,” says Timothy Robinson, DVM, DACVS, board-certified specialist in veterinary surgery. “This procedure can be done at the time of neutering or on its own, and I would much rather see healthy dogs in the operating room for this procedure, than see them in critical condition during a GDV surgery.”

Bloat in Dogs: Signs to Watch For, What To Do