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Bloat or stomach distension is seen most commonly in
larger breed dogs with deep chests (Doberman Pincers,
Great Danes, German Shepherds). All dogs can be
affected, even smaller breeds.
Usually distention of the stomach occurs when the dog
eats or overeats, along with drinking a large volume
of water. The resulting entrapment of food,
water, and gas in the stomach makes it difficult to
empty itself. If the stomach should rotate
or twist while distended, this is an emergency.
Twisting of the stomach can occur if the dog exercises
soon after eating and drinking. Whether the stomach
is twisted or not, distention of the abdomen is commonly
seen, along with vomiting, or attempts to vomit (dry
heaves).
Diagnosis is made by physical examination and
X-rays; blood tests are helpful in determining
general overall health of the animal, and are useful
if surgery is necessary to correct the condition.
Treatment is geared towards decompressing (or
emptying) the stomach of its contents. Often times
a tube is passed from the mouth to the stomach to accomplish
this. Long standing cases may have electrolyte
imbalances (sodium, potassium, chloride) which need
to be corrected. Some cases may even have heart
arrhythmias (irregular heart beats), which may require
treatment. If the stomach is twisted, surgery
is usually necessary to de-rotate the stomach,
and place it back into its normal position.
Outcome of this condition, depends largely upon
the length of time the stomach had been twisted, and
the accompanying complications (arrhythmias, electrolyte
imbalances etc.). If the twist has been 12 hours
or more, there is concern with tissue death where the
twist in the stomach has occurred. Severe heart arrhythmias,
electrolyte imbalances, tissue death, and release of
toxic materials (stagnant substances within the
twisted portion of the blood vessels) into the blood
stream after de-rotation, are all life threatening conditions.
If these conditions are not reversed, death of the patient
is likely to occur.
Once the patient's condition is stabilized, and surgery
has corrected the positioning of the stomach, recovery
is generally uneventful. Afterwards, small amounts
of food offered frequently throughout the day, along
with restricted water intake is recommended to avoid
stomach distention or bloat from re-occurring.
Twisting of the stomach after surgical correction however,
is unlikely to occur.
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