FACT OR FICTION? This is circulating the internet... and some folks are responding with a link to Snopes. (I have a few thoughts on Snopes, but Ill save that for later... take what they post with a grain of salt!) Anyhow, heres the deal... Larger breed and middle age to senior dogs ARE at risk of bloat. Bloat develops suddenly, usually in a healthy, active dog. The dog may have just eaten a large meal, exercised vigorously before or after eating, or drank a large amount of water immediately after eating. Early detection and IMMEDIATE medical treatment are imperative as bloat is lethal if not treated! **Signs of bloat: The classic signs of bloat are restlessness and pacing, salivation, retching, unproductive attempts to vomit, and enlargement of the abdomen. The dog may whine or groan when you press on his belly. Thumping the abdomen produces a hollow sound. Unfortunately, not all cases of bloat present with typical signs. In early bloat the dog may not appear distended, but the abdomen usually feels slightly tight. The dog appears lethargic, obviously uncomfortable, walks in a stiff-legged fashion, hangs his head, but may not look extremely anxious or distressed. Early on it is not possible to distinguish dilatation from volvulus. Late signs (those of impending shock) include pale gums and tongue, delayed capillary refill time, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, rapid and labored breathing, weakness, and collapse. If the dog is able to belch or vomit, quite likely the problem is not due to a volvulus, but this can only be determined by veterinary examination. **How to prevent bloat: +Divide the day’s ration into three equal meals, spaced well apart. +Do not feed your dog from a raised food bowl. +Avoid feeding dry dog food that has fat among the first four ingredients listed on the label. +Avoid foods that contain citric acid. +Restrict access to water for one hour before and after meals. +Never let your dog drink a large amount of water all at once. +Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach. This is why we have an emergency plan in place for scenarios such as bloat. If we suspect something is wrong, we will contact you immediately and proceed to your vet (or emergency vet clinic if after hours). If we cant get in touch with you, we will still go to the vet and continue to attempt to contact you. Bloat can happen suddenly and without warning.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 01:53:45 +0000
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