___ACUTE GASTRIC DILATION(BLOAT)
_
Dogue de Bordeaux can
also be prone to bloat, twisting of the stomach, which could lead to death.
Acute gastric
dilation is usually fatal because the owners have little, if any, warnings of an
impending attack. In most cases the animal is found dead, usually the next
morning, with a greatly distended stomach. Most breeders agree that it is
recommended not to feed your dogue immediately before or after exercise
.
The conclusion drawn by Veterinarians is that a blockage occurs somewhere in the stomach or intestines and the consequent fermentation of food produced gasses which could not escape.
However I have known cases where a dogue has suffered from Bloat but had not been fed that day. Stress is also said to be a possible cause. Although the breed can be affected by bloat, it is not overly common, so nothing to panic about, but merely to be aware of the condition, take steps to minimize any occurrence and recognize the symptoms should it occur.
The Symptoms of Bloat are:-
· Gagging, unproductive attempts to vomit
· Foamy/slimy mucous around mouth and lips (or vomiting this substance)
· Distended (hard) abdomen that sounds hollow when tapped
· Accelerated heartbeat and a weakened pulse
· Anxiety or restlessness, whining
· Pacing, refusal to lie down
· Heavy panting, salivating or drooling
· Discoloured gums (very red in early stages, blue or white in late stages)
· Weakness & collapse
You don’t have time to waste with BLOAT—your dog could have as little as 30-45 minutes to live after you identify the symptoms. Don’t hesitate in getting to a vet.
There are 3 related conditions when referring to BLOAT
Condition 1. When the stomach fills up with gas and fluid—swelling of the dogs stomach, excessive salivation, restlessness, wrenching (trying to vomit) stomach pain. The dog may moan when touching its stomach. If your dog can burp or vomit then its unlikely that the stomach is twisted. Some say to keep walking your dog to encourage him to burp. If you are ever in any doubt or your dog cannot burp, go to your vet straight away.
Condition 2. This is the same as above but if the dog is unable to find any relief, his stomach continues to dilate. This is very serious and should be treated by a vet immediately as the stomach can twist in a matter of moments and then there is serious risk of internal organs being damaged. The vet may be able to tell by anaesthetising the dog and passing a stomach tube.
Condition 3. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus like above VERY SERIOUS SURGERY IS NEEDED
If the stomach is dilated then depending on the dog, the stomach can twist up to 180 degrees (Gastric Torsion). The distress shown by the dog would be more severe in this case, the dog would be in tremendous pain or could even be collapsed. When the stomach has twisted and filled with air it can cut off the circulation to other parts of body causing damage. Your dog’s mucous membranes (gums, membrane inside the eyelids) may be pale if not white and tacky.
Why does it happen? No one knows for sure, it tends to be more apparent in the larger, deep chested breeds.
These are only precautions and not preventatives.
· Feeding your dog. Don’t give your dog just one huge meal, try and split the meals into several small meals throughout the day.
· Don’t exercise your dog after or just before a meal or drink large amounts of water after a meal.
· Dry biscuits swell to at least twice the size once they are in the dogs stomach! Soak the dogs biscuits before feeding him so they are already swollen. Especially if you have a greedy dog that eats until he is full to the brim. If you soak the food before hand they it get no bigger than it was when it went in.
· Some people recommend elevating their food bowl. Not too high that they have stretch for their food but a comfortable height to prevent them gulping large amounts of air with their food. However, some recent research shows that this is not of benefit.
· Never allow you dog to eat bread dough or anything that contains un-cooked yeast.
BLOAT THE MOTHER OF ALL EMERGENCIES—GOOD DIAGRAMS
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_bloat.html
The conclusion drawn by Veterinarians is that a blockage occurs somewhere in the stomach or intestines and the consequent fermentation of food produced gasses which could not escape.
However I have known cases where a dogue has suffered from Bloat but had not been fed that day. Stress is also said to be a possible cause. Although the breed can be affected by bloat, it is not overly common, so nothing to panic about, but merely to be aware of the condition, take steps to minimize any occurrence and recognize the symptoms should it occur.
The Symptoms of Bloat are:-
· Gagging, unproductive attempts to vomit
· Foamy/slimy mucous around mouth and lips (or vomiting this substance)
· Distended (hard) abdomen that sounds hollow when tapped
· Accelerated heartbeat and a weakened pulse
· Anxiety or restlessness, whining
· Pacing, refusal to lie down
· Heavy panting, salivating or drooling
· Discoloured gums (very red in early stages, blue or white in late stages)
· Weakness & collapse
You don’t have time to waste with BLOAT—your dog could have as little as 30-45 minutes to live after you identify the symptoms. Don’t hesitate in getting to a vet.
There are 3 related conditions when referring to BLOAT
Condition 1. When the stomach fills up with gas and fluid—swelling of the dogs stomach, excessive salivation, restlessness, wrenching (trying to vomit) stomach pain. The dog may moan when touching its stomach. If your dog can burp or vomit then its unlikely that the stomach is twisted. Some say to keep walking your dog to encourage him to burp. If you are ever in any doubt or your dog cannot burp, go to your vet straight away.
Condition 2. This is the same as above but if the dog is unable to find any relief, his stomach continues to dilate. This is very serious and should be treated by a vet immediately as the stomach can twist in a matter of moments and then there is serious risk of internal organs being damaged. The vet may be able to tell by anaesthetising the dog and passing a stomach tube.
Condition 3. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus like above VERY SERIOUS SURGERY IS NEEDED
If the stomach is dilated then depending on the dog, the stomach can twist up to 180 degrees (Gastric Torsion). The distress shown by the dog would be more severe in this case, the dog would be in tremendous pain or could even be collapsed. When the stomach has twisted and filled with air it can cut off the circulation to other parts of body causing damage. Your dog’s mucous membranes (gums, membrane inside the eyelids) may be pale if not white and tacky.
Why does it happen? No one knows for sure, it tends to be more apparent in the larger, deep chested breeds.
These are only precautions and not preventatives.
· Feeding your dog. Don’t give your dog just one huge meal, try and split the meals into several small meals throughout the day.
· Don’t exercise your dog after or just before a meal or drink large amounts of water after a meal.
· Dry biscuits swell to at least twice the size once they are in the dogs stomach! Soak the dogs biscuits before feeding him so they are already swollen. Especially if you have a greedy dog that eats until he is full to the brim. If you soak the food before hand they it get no bigger than it was when it went in.
· Some people recommend elevating their food bowl. Not too high that they have stretch for their food but a comfortable height to prevent them gulping large amounts of air with their food. However, some recent research shows that this is not of benefit.
· Never allow you dog to eat bread dough or anything that contains un-cooked yeast.
BLOAT THE MOTHER OF ALL EMERGENCIES—GOOD DIAGRAMS
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_bloat.html