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Bloat - knowing the signs could save your
basset's life |
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Can it be
Prevented?
There are no way to
fully prevent or predict GDV, although here is a
list of suggestions shown helpful in some cases:
Feed 2 or 3 smaller meals daily (as opposed to 1
large meal).
Any changes in the diet should be made
gradually, over a period of a week.
Vigorous exercise, excitement and stress should
be avoided from 1 hour before to 2 hours after
meals.
Excessive drinking should also be avoided.
Avoid feeding food that are known to cause
flatulence (gas), e.g. soy, beans, peas, onions,
beet pulp, etc.
Some veterinarians advocate the feeding of large
pieces of fresh/raw fruits and vegetables (e.g.
apples, oranges, carrots) 3 to 4 times a week
for extra roughage.
Over-the-counter anti-flatulent (Simethecone
products, such as Gas X®) should be given just
before or dogs go through stressful situations.
It may also be handy when the dog appears to
have a lot of gas. Simethecone works by breaking
down the surface tensions of the small air
bubbles in the stomach, thus causing bigger
bubbles to form, which theoretically, are easier
for the stomach to pass.
On dogs known to be highly susceptible to GDV
(e.g. ones that have already bloated before)
discuss the use of medicinal prevention (such as
Metoclopramide Hydrochloride, or Reglan®) with
your veterinarian. The medicine is widely used
in human after abdominal surgery to combat
painful intestinal flatulence. It chemically
decompresses the stomach and intestines, thus
forcing the gas out. Like all drugs, there are
side effects, so the benefits and problems of
long term use should be carefully weighed and
discussed with your veterinarian.
(None of this information is designed to
be a substitute for veterinary care!)
Back to Houndie Health Page
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| The technical name is
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) and it is prevalent in
deep chested breeds, like the basset hound. It is the
second leading killer in dogs next to cancer. It is life
threatening, comes on quickly, and requires
immediate veterinary treatment, often emergency
surgery, to save the hound. Call ahead and let them know
you are bringing in a bloat case so they can be fully
ready when you arrive. What is it?
Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed
air (although food and fluid can also be present). It
usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of
air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric
dilatation"). Stress can be a contributing factor
also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus"
(twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to
360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the
esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper
intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and
water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs
veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure,
shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined
effect can quickly kill a dog.
Symptoms: If you even suspect your basset may
be bloating - get to an emergency vet immediately
• Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur
every 5-20 minutes (One of the most
common symptoms)
• Doesn't act like usual self
(Perhaps the earliest warning sign &
may be the only sign that almost always occurs)
• Significant anxiety and restlessness
(One of the earliest warning signs
and seems fairly typical)
• " Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance
(This seems to occur fairly
frequently)
• Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)
(Despite the term "bloat," many
times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent)
• Pale or off-color gums
(Dark red in early stages, white or
blue in later stages)
Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the
tummy
(Many dog owners report this after
putting their ear to their dog's tummy)
Other signs:
Gagging
Heavy salivating or drooling
Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
Whining
Pacing
Licking the air
Seeking a hiding place
Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal
pain or discomfort
May refuse to lie down
May attempt to eat small stones and twigs
Drinking excessively
Heavy or rapid panting
Shallow breathing
Cold mouth membranes
Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a
spread-legged stance
Especially in advanced stage
Accelerated heartbeat
Heart rate increases as bloating
progresses
Weak pulse
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