Bloat

MARLEYMAY1209 · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:03 am Post subject: Bloat

I was just wondering if anyone could share any information on "bloat". I think the technical term is GVD (maybe). Anyway, I have not had any personal experiences with this problem but I have read that it is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal if not treated immediately. I worry about all 3 of my weims getting this and was wondering if anyone had any info or prevention tips. This is something I plague myself with worry about.
Emily

AmyB · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:42 am Post subject:

Off the top of my head, some things you can do to prevent bloat is make sure your dog is not scarfing down food too fast and drinking lots of water afterwards (don't even give you dog water while he is eating and wait a while after he's finished). Not too much exercise after they eat. And feeding more frequent smaller meals is better. Those are things that I practice.

kamfam · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:05 am Post subject:

And bowls that are not raised, too.

kblakemore · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:15 am Post subject:

Having the bowels raised really helps them. Our vet says all large dogs should have their bowels raised it's bad for digestion. I made Luke a box out of 2x4's because i had already bought expensive bowels with the no skid thing. It was really inexpensive. I just used 2/4's and scraps that were left over from another project. Then i bought those wooden letters you can find at any craft store and wrote Luke on the front. When i get my pictures up I'll post a pic.

Or if you would rather you can just buy one. Embarassed

kblakemore · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:20 am Post subject:

Sorry guys i meant bowls. Typing error and because it was spelt right the spell check didn't catch it. Bowels ha ha Very Happy

kamfam · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:31 am Post subject:

Here's a post from here about bloat:

http://www.weimaraneraddict.com/discussion/bloat-s-vt60.html?highlight=bloat

Keep in mind, these are not only large breed dogs, but deep chested dogs as well.

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:37 am Post subject:

Actually, you should NOT raise their bowls. When we first got Scout we were told to raise the bowls as they grew. But that has changed since then. Now not raising the bowls is the recommendation when it comes to bloat.

I always keep gas-x in the house; just in case. It can help if it happens. I hope I never have to know.

anne · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:45 am Post subject:

Bloat can definitely be fatal.

According to the Purdue studies http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/bloat.htm, the risk factors are:
- age
- chest size
- relatives with bloat
- raised food bowl
- fast eating

Obviously the first 2 cannot be controlled but the last 3 can. I know people that have had dogs bloat and never ever want to experience it. The first step of prevention is to get a dog with no family history of bloat. I do know lines that it runs in.

I also believe that eating a natural whole diet is better for the dogs (the food doens't expand and the dogs are forced to eat slowly if large meaty bones) and I also think that stress is a big factor in predisposing for bloat.

MARLEYMAY1209 · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the responses!! What is scary to me is that I spoke to friend who has a puppy from my first litter and her vet told her to raise the bowls when feeding. I own 2 weim breed specific weim books and both say NOT to raise bowls. That makes me feel uneasy that we are all getting so many different opinions. I did read to keep the gas-x around so we always have that. All 3 of my weims are young so I am not too concerned yet. However, it is impossible to keep them inactive after eating. They are always busy, busy, busy.

sdteacher · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 8:17 pm Post subject: Bloat

Maximus is currently recovering from "bloat" surgery. He is doing as well as can be expected. Luckily we caught it early enough. It came on very quickly. About an hour after he ate I noticed him licking his lips and trying to vomit. He couldn't get comfortable and his stomach seemed swollen. We rushed him to the ER Vet. and he was diagnosed with bloat. It was visible from the x-ray. Because we caught it early it there was no other internal damage.

I thought I was doing everything right. He get 2 small meals a day, no exercise after eating, soaking his food, and lowered dish. I don't know why, but it was a very scary experience. I am very glad we were home when it happened.

Bethany0016 · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 8:23 pm Post subject:

This will probably seem like a stupid question, but how do you know when it is happening? I have heard and read lots of things but never what to watch for so that we know when to worry.

weimdawgs · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:02 pm Post subject:

Stress is another factor in bloat. But, it can happen at anytime to any dog. Thank God you knew what was happening and took him to the ER. I am so happy he is doing better.

Lynn

AmyB · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:05 pm Post subject:

I'm glad he's recovering well and so sorry you had to go through that. Keep an eye on your guy, I was told by a Vet that the risk of bloat is increased in an dog that has already suffered from it.

Bethany,
Here's an article that describes what bloat is and the signs of bloat.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=402

wildlifecr13 · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:33 pm Post subject:

i asked my vet what a distended stomach looks like - i was told that i will know it when i see it.
know where a 24 hour clinic is just in case... no time to look it up and drive in circles trying to find it. you will be stressed as is.
and put their address and phone number in your cell phone so you can let them know you are coming - these are things i think can help you get them in quickly.

Beth · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

You are supposed to soak their food? I thought that soaking their food caused excess air intake and could increase the chance of bloat?