Bloat

This is information that you should know before getting a Great Dane.

I believe that every Dane owner should be well educated on every thing that there is to know about bloat. This information might save your dogs life someday.

Information about BLOAT (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)

Bloat is a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY.

Early recognition & treatment are the keys to survival.

Large breed dogs with deep chests such as Great Danes have a higher risk of bloat.

Bloat develops suddenly, usually in a healthy, active dog.

Bloat usually occurs in dogs over one year of age and is uncommon yet not unheard of in younger dogs.

The signs of bloat are restlessness & pacing, salivation, retching, unproductive attempts to vomit & enlargement of the abdomen. The dog will be uncomfortable & may whine or groan when you press on its belly. By thumping the abdomen it produces a hollow drum sound.

Unfortunately, not all cases of bloat present with typical signs.

In the early stage of bloat the dog may not appear distended, but the abdomen usually feels slightly tight.

The dog appears lethargic, obviously uncomfortable, walks in a stiff legged fashion, hangs its head, but may not look extremely anxious or distressed.

Late signs of bloat "Those Of Impending Shock" include pale gums & tongue, delayed capillary refill time, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, rapid labored breathing, weakness & collapse.

If you suspect that your dog is bloating (Waste No Time)

GET TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!!!  "Time Is Of The Essence"

When bloat occurs the stomach fills with gasses & begins to rotate & enlargement of the abdomen continues. As the stomach rotates, the blood supplies are cut off & the dog begins to go in to shock.

A veterinarian will usually try to pass a stomach tube to ascertain if the stomach has already turned & to relieve the gas pressure if it hasn't.

A veterinarian will X-Ray to confirm rotation. The only permanent cure is surgery.

Even with surgery it is not uncommon for a dog to die of heart complications.

Bloat is an extreme emergency situation. Make sure that your veterinarian is familiar with the special health needs of Great Danes or other giant breed dogs.

Dogs that respond to non-surgical treatment have a 70 percent chance of having another episode of bloat.

Information On Preventing Bloat :

1: Divide the day's ration into three equal feedings
2: Restrict access to water for one hour before & after meals
3: Never let your dog drink a large amount of water all at once
(Especially right after the dog has been running & playing hard)
4: Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach
5: Elevate your dogs food & water bowls
 (Do not elevate the bowls too high)
6: Be aware of the early signs of bloat & seek prompt attention by a veterinarian immediately whenever you suspect bloat