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Gastric Bloat Can Mean Sudden Death For Large Dogs

News Channel 8 photo by JOHN WINTERROWD

The real-life Marley had the condition, which is often related to gas or food stretching the stomach.

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By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 19, 2009

For a dog owner, it's the mother of all emergencies. Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious health risk for many dogs, but few pet parents know anything about it.

Have you seen the movie, or read the book, "Marley and Me" yet? Don't worry, I won't spoil the ending for you. But the star of both movie and book, the real-life big, slobbery Lab named Marley, suffers this condition.

"Typically, I see at least one case of bloat every week," says veterinarian Corinne M. Rehmann of Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists. In fact, she said she had just finished seeing a bloat case when she took my call for the interview. (It was Rufus, a Humane Society of Pinellas dog needing a home.)

Bloating (sometimes called torsion) is often related to gas or food stretching the stomach, causing it to flip or twist, ultimately cutting off blood supply to the organ. Consequences can include tissue death to organs including the stomach and spleen, cardiac arrhythmias and, if untreated, death.

Larger breed dogs are most at risk. Some statistics correlate bloat with dogs that weigh 90 to 100 pounds.

"Conformation also plays a factor," Rehmann says. "Dogs with long, deep chests that are thin are more susceptible."

Commonly affected breeds include German shepherds, Great Danes, Weimaraners and St. Bernards. And dogs with a fearful or anxious temperament may also be more predisposed to bloating.

"It's definitely a serious, potentially deadly condition," Rehmann says. "Dogs can go from being normal and happy at home, to suddenly acting very sick and uncomfortable."

So what to watch for? Sometimes dogs will start to act nauseated or drool excessively. They may wretch or attempt to vomit, but nothing is expelled. They may also have a pale gum color, difficulty breathing or a distended belly. Some dogs become weak or collapse very suddenly, and they can be in tremendous abdominal pain.

"People need to be aware that the onset happens quickly and it progresses rapidly," Rehmann says, "so any pet owner that notices these types of symptoms needs to get their dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible."

Call en route so the clinic can be ready.

Fortunately, there are preventative measures to avoid this scary scenario — from simple to surgical. Although there is no conclusive evidence that any one measure will prevent your dog from bloating, veterinarians recommend several practices.

If your dog eats one meal per day, split the feeding into multiple smaller meals. That prevents the dog's stomach from filling with excessive amounts of food and or gas. If you have a gulper, a dog that seems to inhale his meals, serve smaller portions or purchase a dog bowl designed to slow fast eaters. Don't exercise your dog immediately a meal. Wait a few hours.

There are also a couple of preventative surgical options. Gastropexy is a relatively uncomplicated procedure involving a small incision into the top muscle layers of the stomach, and just behind the rib cage. The stomach is then tacked or sewed to the side of the body wall to prevent it from twisting.

A laparoscopic procedure accomplishes the same result and is less invasive. This option is usually more expensive because of the technology.

"I always recommend surgery to correct this condition," Rehmann says. "The recurrence rate is too high."

For dogs suffering multiple diseases, those that are older, or those whose owners don't want surgery, humane euthanasia is recommended.

Pet parents of young, bloat-prone pooches can opt to have the preventative gastropexy or laparoscopic gastropexy procedure performed while the dog is already under anesthesia for a spay or neuter.

Update and info on Rufus:

Rufus, Rehmann's bloat patient, is a 5-year-old bloodhound recently abandoned at the Humane Society of Pinellas. He arrived at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists 10 days ago suffering from bloat. Rehmann examined him and colleague Douglas Bruns performed a gastropexy.

The hospital provides discounted services for animals from the Humane Society of Pinellas and SPCA Tampa Bay. However, the Society is accepting donations to help pay for the surgical costs.

Rufus' prognosis is excellent and now he needs a loving home. Visit Rufus or other adoptable pets at the Society, 3040 State Road 590 in Clearwater. For information, call (727) 797-7722. Animal viewing and adoption hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.

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