Bloat in dogs usually refers to when they develop a twisted stomach, also called Gastric Dilation/Volvulus (GDV). This is a severe emergency that will quickly lead to death if untreated.

The stomach over-distends and spins around its connections to other organs, blocking all passage in and out, and also disrupting blood flow to the entire body. This soon leads to the dog collapsing. Emergency treatment is required to support blood flow and reduce stomach distension, and emergency surgery is required to correct the stomach position and prevent further damage. The treatment of this condition has improved a lot in recent years, and nowadays about 80% of dogs survive if the problem is detected and treated promptly.

What is bloat in dogs?

The stomach is like a bag, with the food coming in from a tube (the oesophagus) and going out through another tube (the small intestine). If the stomach is very full, these tubes can be like the handles on a shopping bag, and movement causes the stomach to spin around them and close them up. This also tightens up some major blood vessels around the area, especially if the spleen, which is right next to and partially attached to the stomach, is affected. Several life-threatening complications follow:

• The stomach may continue to swell up, causing severe pain and possibly interfering with breathing

• Blood distribution to all organs will be disrupted, causing a complication called hypovolemic shock

Distended and blood-starved areas of the stomach may start to die off, eventually leading to rupture and leakage. The same thing can happen to parts of the spleen.

Symptoms of bloat in dogs

In most cases, symptoms start within 2-3 hours of a meal and may happen after exercise or intense excitement.

• Swollen tummy

• Retching without passing anything. Some dogs will initially vomit before retching becomes unproductive.

• Dogs may initially be anxious and restless

• Tummy may be painful to touch or feel like a balloon or football

• Drooling

• Eventually dogs will become lethargic and/or collapse

• Gums may look pale/grey or bright red, depending on the stage of the problem

Dogs at higher risk for bloat

• Deep-chested, large breeds of dogs are at higher risk, particularly:

  • Great Dane

  • St Bernard

  • Irish and Gordon Setters

  • Wolfhound

  • Borzoi

  • Weimaraner

  • Bloodhound

  • Dachshund

  • German Shepherd

  • Labrador

• Older dogs are more likely to develop a twisted stomach

• Dogs with a first-degree relative that had bloat are also at higher risk

How is bloat diagnosed in dogs?

• If bloat is suspected, your vet will start emergency treatment straight away, as every minute counts

• The diagnosis is usually confirmed with a set of x-rays, these show the stomach in an abnormal position

• The full extent of the problem and potential complications are assessed during surgery

Vet treatment of bloat in dogs

Bloat requires emergency surgery and intensive care, often for 48 hours or more, for the best chance of a good outcome. This may include:

• Intravenous fluids via a drip to support blood flow

• Pain medication

• Passing a tube down the oesophagus, if this can be gently worked through the twisted area it allows removal of most of the stomach content and relieves many of the symptoms

• Medications to treat heart arrhythmias, which are a common complication in this condition

Surgery will have several objectives:

• Untwisting the stomach is crucial

• Severely damaged areas of the stomach and spleen may need to be removed to prevent serious complications

• A small area of the stomach will be attached to the body wall to prevent if from spinning around again

Home treatment of bloat in dogs

Bloat in dogs is a serious emergency, if you suspect this problem take your dog to see the closest vet straight away. See below for tips on how to prevent bloat in dogs.

Tips to prevent your dog from having a twisted stomach

• Don’t exercise or play with your dog within 1-2h after a meal

• Feed smaller meals 2-3 times a day rather than one large meal

• Feed breed-size appropriate kibble

• Make sure your dog doesn’t eat too quickly

When to worry about bloat in dogs

Seek help from a vet in practice immediately if your dog:

• Has a bloated tummy that developed quickly, especially within 2-3h from the last meal

• Is restless

• Is salivating too much

• Is trying to be sick without bringing anything up

• Is very flat and not interested in interacting with you

• Has pale or grey gums

The vets and nurses at the Joii app are always available to give you advice and answer any doubts.