{"id":780,"date":"2017-11-27T05:10:18","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T05:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpressgroup.com\/addictionfoods\/?post_type=article&p=780"},"modified":"2021-03-12T07:33:35","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T07:33:35","slug":"bloat-the-silent-killer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addictionpet.com\/en-sg\/blog\/bloat-the-silent-killer\/","title":{"rendered":"Bloat: The Silent Killer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Swift and deadly, the horrors of a canine condition called gastric dilatation or \u2018bloat\u2019 are little known amongst pet owners considering the potentially tragic consequences. Incidents of bloat have been recounted time and again, of perfectly healthy dogs that are running around in the morning and dying by evening that same day. In extreme cases, it can cause death in as little as an hour. In most cases, pet owners are left devastated and bewildered by what has happened due to lack of public knowledge about bloat. Bloating can degenerate into a deadly serious condition that is almost always fatal if not treated in time \u2013 it is often regarded as the second biggest killer illness in dogs after cancer \u2013 and all dog owners should be made aware of its symptoms and severity before it is too late.<\/p>\n

The concept of bloating as being a life-threatening condition can be baffling for us humans. Bloating, or \u201dgas\u201d, in humans is a common occurrence that virtually everyone is familiar with, especially after a late-night heavy meal. It is often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but hardly any further cause for concern as it invariably passes. So what then happens differently in dogs that makes bloat such a terrible syndrome?<\/p>\n

What Is Bloat?<\/h4>\n

Bloat, or \u2018Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)\u2019, is a condition in dogs where an accumulation of gas is trapped in a dog\u2019s stomach, causing it to swell and put pressure on other surrounding organs and diaphragm (gastric dilatation). As the stomach continues to distend it can lead to a critical stage where volvulus, or gastric torsion occurs,\u00a0 and the stomach rotates or \u2018flips\u2019, trapping in any air, food or water and at the same time closing off the esophagus and duodenum (upper intestine), thereby blocking blood supply as well as any release of air pressure.\u00a0 At this point, the dog\u2019s condition deteriorates rapidly as he goes into shock and death is almost certain unless surgical treatment is administered in time. Even then, the mortality rate is significantly higher at this stage.<\/p>\n

What Causes Bloat?<\/h4>\n

Studies have so far not pinpointed a single leading cause of bloat, although numerous inconclusive studies have suggested that a dog\u2019s temperament, pace of eating and number of meals consumed a day are factors in the development of bloat. It is also far too simplistic to link bloat to a single trigger; rather, the risk of bloat occurring is higher when certain events and circumstances are combined with some genetic predisposition.<\/p>\n

Some breeds are predisposed to develop bloat more than others, particularly larger, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Boxers, Weimaraners, Dobermans, Saint Bernards, Samoyeds, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds . These breeds have sufficient space in their chest cavity for torsion to occur and as such the risk is higher, as opposed to a smaller dog like a Chihuahua where its small size prevents this from happening. Diet suitability also appears to be a risk factor for bloat, if a dog has intolerance to certain foods. The irritants in these foods cause swelling in the stomach lining due to their low digestibility and gas build-up. If the undigested food and gas stays in the stomach too long without being passed out, the risk of bloat increases.<\/p>\n

The spectrum of bloat severity also varies widely, from a gassy dog that is able to pass out the unwanted gas easily to a dog suffering from gastric torsion where emergency surgery is necessary to save his life. This is not to say that other non-deep chested breeds don\u2019t develop bloat because it is important to remember that the condition can occur in\u00a0any<\/i>\u00a0dog; however the condition is often not as serious in non-deep chested breeds and does not reach the torsion stage as many dogs are able to pass out the unwanted gas.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h4>\n

It is important never to take any suspicion of bloat lightly. Milder symptoms such as a gassy dog or incidences of vomiting tend to go unnoticed and unattended, often because these signs go away quickly or are also symptomatic of so many other illnesses. Some indications that your dog may be suffering from bloat are:<\/p>\n