Bloat – what it is, the signs and what to do

What is bloat in dogs?

Bloat or gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) is where the stomach twists and inflates with gas preventing it from emptying. It is a life threatening condition which requires urgent medical assistance.

What are the common symptoms?

• Distended stomach
• Pacing
• Unsuccessful vomiting
• Vomiting up foamy saliva
• Restlessness
• Inability to lie down
• Pawing at or looking at their belly
• Rapid shallow breathing and pale mucus membranes

What causes dog bloat?

Unknown, but contributing factors may include:

• Anatomy
• Body structure
• Genetics
• Environment factors

Possible contributors to bloat can include:

• Exercise after a meal
• A dog bowl that is lowered
• Dogs that eat from a raised bowl
• Fast eaters
• Certain breeds including; German Shepherds, Great Danes and  large deep chested breeds

Below is Jess’s Mums recollection of her recent scare with bloat.

‘My husband noticed something was wrong with Jess two and a half hours after eating. She was agitated, looking at her abdomen and walking in circles.

It was though she wanted to lie down but couldn’t. I took her outside to see if she needed to vomit and she did.  She then ate it.  Thinking she would be fine, she came back inside where she still looked uncomfortable and in pain.

I have read up on bloat as I am aware German Shepherds are prone to it. On checked her abdomen, there was no sign of blowing up, but I was worried as she was very agitated. I  decided not to waste any time and go to the vets as quickly as possible (no speed cameras, phew!).

On the drive she became extremely distressed, crying continuously (as did I) and trying to vomit. By the time we arrived, she was in shock and in 40 minutes her stomach had blown up to the size of a balloon.’

When she arrived at the vet hospital she was immediately seen by the veterinary team who diagnosed her with bloat. With her family’s consent she was taken to emergency surgery. The surgery was successful and she coped well in recovery.

As it is such a significant operation Jess stayed hospital until recovered enough to go home. She returned for her veterinary recheck, to make sure everything was healing as expected. This photo of Jess is five weeks and two days later, playing soccer and moving beautifully.

“I could not have asked for better care for Jess and myself. Thank you so much, not only for the lifesaving surgery but for taking care of me at the same time. Allowing me to wait while you operated. Making me coffee. Coming out with updates. Checking I hadn’t collapsed in a heap on the floor. I will be forever grateful.”