| Bloat - knowing the signs could
save your basset's life |
| |
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 the Drool Home Page
|
|
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
Collapse
|