In a nutshell.....the stomach twists, most often after a meal or very rapid eating, and it IS very serious. From the point when you notice the signs such as a swollen tummy, lethargic behavior and distress, you have very little time to act. In most cases surgery is necessary but the outcomes are not always good. You MUST get your dog to the vet IMMEDIATELY if you suspect bloat as the condition can lead to death in several hours.
The most common causes are drinking too much very rapidly, exercise on a full stomach or the most common reason, gobbling of food. This occurs often with a dog that inhales their food too fast and most of us likely know someone with a pet who does this.
Here are some links for more info:
- Dog Bloat: How to Protect Your Pup
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in Dogs
- Preventing Bloat In Dogs Naturally
- Bloat in dogs – and the need to act quickly
- "Bloat is a life-threatening medical condition"
- Bloat Causes, Signs And Symptoms
If you suspect your dog has bloat, DO NOT DELAY. Call or go to the nearest veterinary hospital right away because it's not something they will just "get over". Without surgery most cases of severe bloat end in death, and even WITH surgery the outcomes are limited. For more information please ask your vet the next time you are there for any suggestions they have on prevention of this silent killer.
Note: It's been suggested that slower eating may limit the risk of bloat, so for that reason we have a slow-feeder bowl for one of our dogs. Made up of small compartments that divide the food and slow down the rate of consumption, it's recommended by many animal care professionals and may be worth investing in.
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