Bloat & Gastric Dialation Volvulous (GDV)
Commonly called bloat and stomach torsion, this is a potentially fatal condition in which a dog's stomach distends with gas, food or fluid and then rotates and twists. The twisting action blocks both the entrance to and the extit from the stomach. Distention and twisting can occur independently of one another. But when both take place, rapid veterinary intervention is absolutely critical. Signs of GDV may include: - Abdominal swelling and tenderness -Unsuccessful attempts to vomit - Excessive drooling - Restlessness - Panting or labored breathing GDV requires immediate surgery. This entails possible removal of dead stomach tissue, repositioning of the stomach followed by stomach attachment (gastropexy) to prevent the risk of future volvulus. There are several types of stomach tacks. A popular procedure today is the belt-loop gastropexy in which a portion of the stomach is attached to a belt loop flap created in the abdominal wall. Like many other large, deep-chested breeds, Swissys are definitely prone to GDV. While the condition occurs more frequently in dogs over 5 years, it can happen at any age. To date, research on the condition has remained inconclusive, it seems to be multifactorial in nature, i.e. no single food type, ingredient or feeding method has been shown to cause GDV. Indeed, some Swissys have bloated on entirely empty stomachs. Stress may be the triggering factor under certain conditions. And while heredity is suspected by some researchers, no conclusive evidence has been produced to date. At present there are no clear cut preventives for bloat. The most important tool to prevent a fatal ending to GDV is to recognize the signs and get immediate veterinary care.
A DOG OWNERS GUIDE TO BLOAT
Commonly called bloat and stomach torsion, this is a potentially fatal condition in which a dog's stomach distends with gas, food or fluid and then rotates and twists. The twisting action blocks both the entrance to and the extit from the stomach. Distention and twisting can occur independently of one another. But when both take place, rapid veterinary intervention is absolutely critical. Signs of GDV may include: - Abdominal swelling and tenderness -Unsuccessful attempts to vomit - Excessive drooling - Restlessness - Panting or labored breathing GDV requires immediate surgery. This entails possible removal of dead stomach tissue, repositioning of the stomach followed by stomach attachment (gastropexy) to prevent the risk of future volvulus. There are several types of stomach tacks. A popular procedure today is the belt-loop gastropexy in which a portion of the stomach is attached to a belt loop flap created in the abdominal wall. Like many other large, deep-chested breeds, Swissys are definitely prone to GDV. While the condition occurs more frequently in dogs over 5 years, it can happen at any age. To date, research on the condition has remained inconclusive, it seems to be multifactorial in nature, i.e. no single food type, ingredient or feeding method has been shown to cause GDV. Indeed, some Swissys have bloated on entirely empty stomachs. Stress may be the triggering factor under certain conditions. And while heredity is suspected by some researchers, no conclusive evidence has been produced to date. At present there are no clear cut preventives for bloat. The most important tool to prevent a fatal ending to GDV is to recognize the signs and get immediate veterinary care.
A DOG OWNERS GUIDE TO BLOAT
Splenic Torsion
With this condition, the spleen rotates around its own axis, either away from or towards the stomach. The spleen then becomes engorged with blood and may expand to several times its normal size. If the spleen rotates away from the stomach it may torsion several times. As many as six revolutions have been observed. If the spleen rotates towards the stomach it may pull it along causing a partial or even complete gastric torsion, creating a very dangerous and potentially fatal situation calling for instant medical attention. Unless the stomach is involved and obvious signs of GDV are present, unfortunately the signs of splenic torsion are often quite vague and may vary from case to case. Signs may include: - Inappetence - Vomiting – Diarrhea or constipation - Low level fever - General listlessness - Tucked up abdomen, tenderness of the abdomen or slight abdominal distention - Pale gums Splenic torsion is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate veterinary care. In a surgical procedure called splenectomy, the spleen is removed. Often, a gastropexy (stomach tack) is performed at the same time if the animal's conditions allows this additional procedure. The causes of splenic torsion are not known. Like with GDV, the condition seems to primarily affect large deep-chested breeds. In Swissys, dogs over the age of 5 years appear to have a higher incidence, however, quite a few cases of younger Swissys have been reported. For the GSMD, splenic torsion unfortunately is one of the major health problems. Indeed, many breeders believe that probably a significant number of dogs that supposedly died of GDV but were not necropsied after their death, actually might have succumbed to splenic torsion. As with GDV, the most important tool to prevent a fatal ending to splenic torsion is to recognize the signs and get immediate veterinary care.Remember, splenic torsion will kill if not recognized in time to perform life-saving surgery.
With this condition, the spleen rotates around its own axis, either away from or towards the stomach. The spleen then becomes engorged with blood and may expand to several times its normal size. If the spleen rotates away from the stomach it may torsion several times. As many as six revolutions have been observed. If the spleen rotates towards the stomach it may pull it along causing a partial or even complete gastric torsion, creating a very dangerous and potentially fatal situation calling for instant medical attention. Unless the stomach is involved and obvious signs of GDV are present, unfortunately the signs of splenic torsion are often quite vague and may vary from case to case. Signs may include: - Inappetence - Vomiting – Diarrhea or constipation - Low level fever - General listlessness - Tucked up abdomen, tenderness of the abdomen or slight abdominal distention - Pale gums Splenic torsion is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate veterinary care. In a surgical procedure called splenectomy, the spleen is removed. Often, a gastropexy (stomach tack) is performed at the same time if the animal's conditions allows this additional procedure. The causes of splenic torsion are not known. Like with GDV, the condition seems to primarily affect large deep-chested breeds. In Swissys, dogs over the age of 5 years appear to have a higher incidence, however, quite a few cases of younger Swissys have been reported. For the GSMD, splenic torsion unfortunately is one of the major health problems. Indeed, many breeders believe that probably a significant number of dogs that supposedly died of GDV but were not necropsied after their death, actually might have succumbed to splenic torsion. As with GDV, the most important tool to prevent a fatal ending to splenic torsion is to recognize the signs and get immediate veterinary care.Remember, splenic torsion will kill if not recognized in time to perform life-saving surgery.
