WHAT IS GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS (GDV) BLOAT IN DOGS? DORNE CARR B.Sc, P.G.C.E.

This is a condition affecting the digestive system and is unfortunately life threatening in dogs. Initially the stomach begins to fill with gas and becomes distended noticeably on the left hand-side in the first instance. This is known as GASTRIC DILATATION. It is not uncommon in dogs, humans even cats, problems arise however when the gas cannot escape.

As the gas and dilatation increases pressure inside the stomach builds up, this creates stress and pressure on major organs such as the heart and liver. The pressure increase reduces the flow of blood by 75% resulting in heart irregularities such as arrhythmias toxic shock also becomes a life-threatening problem.

As the gases build up further the stomach swells to enormous capacity looking and sounding like a case ball when tapped at the side. The pressure inside the stomach is by now so intense, that the stomach begins to rotate the rotation can be a partial twist or a full twist. This is now GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS. Blood flow to the stomach ceases, within minutes the stomach tissue begins to turn black and die.

The condition is now a real emergency and the dog will be showing extreme signs of distress as all of the major organs become seriously compromised.

The key point is that this condition is life threatening and time is of the essence. The sooner veterinary attention is sought the more promising the outcome

VETERINARY CARE

If dilatation is the only symptom, the veterinarian surgeon can relieve this build up of gas with a stomach tube inserted down the mouth and through the oesophagus into the stomach. Gas should be expelled plus some of the contents within the stomach. Medication such as charcoal can be administered to absorb the gases accompanied with gentle rubbing of the stomach to help dispel the trapped gases.

The next stage of this condition is the twisting of the stomach. The degree of twisting is varied and is of course in the range of 0-360 degrees, the greater the rotation the more complicated the condition becomes. A few rare cases have presented a double rotation.

After the initial treatment of relieving the dilatation and attaching a saline drip to reduce shock and restore the electrolyte balance. The dog is then prepared for surgical intervention to examine the abdominal organs to assess the damage and to also reposition the stomach. In many cases the spleen, is seen to be enlarged and requires to be removed a splenectomy.

Once the stomach has been rotated back to its original position it then requires securing, this is called a gastropexy. The gastric antrum is secured to the right side of the abdomen. The positioning and techniques to secure the positioning have been extensively researched for the tensile strength and ability to prevent further rotation. The belt-loop and incisional techniques are very favourable methods.

Post-operative care is as crucial as the initial emergency surgical treatment. Many dogs do require intensive care for at least a few days but need constant monitoring in the first 48 hours. Shock and dehydration are very common post-operative complications, which require careful experienced monitoring. The overall mortality rate is exceptionally high for this reason alone, most veterinary surgeons dread the presentation of a dog suffering from this condit

SYMPTOMS

There are to date still no clearly defined symptoms that are specific for this condition. There are similarities as with so many other diseases that have symptoms that overlap and may suggest one condition or another. Eventually however symptoms specific to one condition only will become apparent and the condition identified.

In the case of bloat this identification is unfortunately almost always at the late very life threatening stage. There are dogs that have just bloated without any prior warning and there are those that do show some form of symptom. It has however still not been possible to identify any pattern in the symptoms leading up to an incident. The following symptoms have been identified in a vast majority of dogs suffering from the condition but again not all of the symptoms are present and as previously stated some dogs show very little if any symptoms prior to bloating.

v Excessive panting and salivating, not to be confused with over heating.
v Restlessness, pacing, cannot get comfortable.
v Whining.
v Frightened expression
v Depressed, lifeless.
v Stressed.

In general the dog is not its usual self and its overall behaviour is a cause for concern. Cases have been recorded where the only symptom has been dilatation of the abdomen which is seen in the first instance on the left hand side.

CAUSES

The cause or causes of this condition are as yet still very unclear. Research has so far been unable to give any clear definitions. The following list incorporates areas that may be linked directly or indirectly to the onset of the condition. They are however supposition as there is still no definite link.
v Exercising immediately before feeding.
v Heavy exercise within two hours of feeding.
v Feeding one large meal per day.
v Eating very quickly.
v Drinking excessive water prior, during and immediately after feeding.
v Aerophagia (gulping, swallowing air) especially when eating or drinking.
v Feeding dry complete food.
v Stresses which can be linked to excitability, fear, travelling and so on.
v Mating, bitches in season.
v Hormonal changes.
v Conformation, deep chested dogs.
v Genetic inheritance.
v Genetic pre-disposition.

WHICH BREED OF DOGS ARE AFFECTED

This condition is not restricted to any one particular breed. Any breed with the correct conditions can suffer from this condition, cross breeds and mongrels can also be affected.

The frequency within a particular breed does however vary with some of the larger deep chested breeds suffering being at the top of the table in terms of numbers of reported incidents.

The key issue is to be aware and recognise the condition, which is a silent indiscriminate killer of our beloved dogs and does appear to be on the increase.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

The following information has been compiled from a wide range of experienced and qualified sources. It does not however guarantee that it will prevent the occurrence of this condition and certainly does not provide an alternative to seeking veterinary advice.

v After exercising allow at least one preferably two hours before feeding allowing the dog to cool down and stop panting.
v Don’t give water immediately after heavy exercising, allow the dog to settle down and stop panting this should prevent air gulping.
v Allow at least one hour preferably two after feeding before exercising again, a light gentle stroll is beneficial to both humans and dogs and actually aids digestion but emphasis on the light.
v Feed at least two small meals per day.
v Feed as natural and varied a diet as possible.
v Avoid stressful situations especially if the dog is prone to stress.
v Drug therapy is available and is strongly recommended if a dog has previously suffered from this condition. Conventional and Homeopathic remedies are available.
v Elective gastroplexy.
v Never feed your dog later than 7pm.
v Fasting every seventh day enables the digestive system to rest and is beneficial and natural to all dogs.
v Know your dog and your veterinary surgeon.

It is hoped this article has been informative and provided the reader with a deeper understanding of this condition. Since personal experience of this condition it has been my aim to research the cause of the condition and inform pet owners of the condition.

This research programme is now after five long difficult years beginning to gain interest and support from breed clubs the Animal Health Trust and the Kennel Club. The research programme named ‘Bloat Research UK’ has recently undergone a progress report for 2004 and will is available now by contacting myself at the e-mail address or telephone number below.

It would be of immense help to the research if clubs from other breeds become actively involved. We need to identify the cause of this condition and be able to prevent it.

Donations to help fund the research, is of immense importance. Donations can be sent along with the following donation form to the address contained on there.

A handbook about the condition and regular updates of the research will be available early in the summer. All profits for the book will be donated to the health fund of the Irish Setter Association of England.

Help and advice is available from the following source:

Dorne Carr, laumidorn @aol.com Tel: 0114/2610550

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Date………………………………………………………………………………….
Name ………………………………………………………………………………..
Address………………………………………………………………………………
Donation……………………………………………………………………………..
To the Irish Setter Association of England Health Fund, in respect of ‘Bloat Research UK’.

Please send to Becky Box, Fern cottage East Winch rd, Blackborough End, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1S