Recognizing Bloat
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Bloat is something that all dog owners should be aware of. It is most common in large, deep-chested breeds, and, while they are on the smaller end of the spectrum, that category does include Golden Retrievers. Bloat is a life-threatening condition – approximately 25%-40% of dogs with bloat die.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Bloat and knowing what to do in advance can help prevent a life-threatening situation with your beloved fur-friend.
What is Bloat?
Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food or fluids, making it expand, which puts pressure on other internal organs. That pressure can cut off blood flow to the heart and stomach lining, cause a tear in the wall of the stomach and cause difficulty breathing. The stomach can also rotate or twist, trapping blood in the stomach, sending the dog into shock.
Causes
The exact cause of bloat is unknown. However, some possible causes may be:
- Eating from a raised food bowl
- Having one meal a day
- Excessive eating/drinking
- Eating quickly
- Excessive running/playing after eating
- Stress or trauma
- Dry food only diet
Signs & Symptoms
Knowing what to look for is incredibly important, as time is of the essence when it comes to treating your dog for bloat. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Restlessness
- Excessive drooling and/or panting
- A swollen stomach
- Anxiousness
- Looking at or focusing on his/her stomach
- Pacing
- Non-productive vomiting (nothing coming up)
- Pale gums
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, even to the point of collapse
- Distended abdomen
- Cold body temperature
Treatment
Again, Bloat is a life-threatening condition. If you think your dog may have bloat bring him/her to your veterinarian immediately!! Treatment will depend on the severity of your dog’s condition – intubation to relieve pressure, antibiotics or steroids to help with shock, or in the most severe cases, surgery to untwist the stomach and return it to it’s normal position.
Prevention
There are some steps that you can take to help prevent your dog from suffering bloat:
- Don’t use a raised bowl unless recommended by your vet
- Don’t let your dog run or play excessively before or after meals
- Feed your dog several small meals through the day instead of one large meal
- Make sure your dog drinks a normal amount of water
We are responsible for our dogs’ safety and well being. Making yourself familiar with the causes, signs and symptoms of bloat is incredibly important for all dog owners, and may even save your dog’s life.
(Information taken from the WebMD and ASPCA websites.)
Signs of Abuse
Not for the faint of heart.... the conditions that Celine and Celeste were found living in...
Baldwin County Sheriff's Deputies said the pictures tell the story: a home with black mold lining the walls and feces mixed with garbage lining the floor. Investigators told Fox10 News that two adults and a child under 16 were living among the filth. “It's a sad case, you know, those people living like that and choosing to live like that is I guess what's most troubling,” Maj. Anthony Lower said.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Deputies said the pictures tell the story: a home with black mold lining the walls and feces mixed with garbage lining the floor. Investigators told Fox10 News that two adults and a child under 16 were living among the filth. “It's a sad case, you know, those people living like that and choosing to live like that is I guess what's most troubling,” Maj. Anthony Lower said.
SIGNS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY
It’s easy to recognize such overt forms of abuse as hitting or kicking, but other signs of animal cruelty can be more subtle. According to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, these “red flags” include:
If you know of or suspect animal cruelty, it is recommended that you contact police or your local animal control officer.
Reference:
Magazine of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
It’s easy to recognize such overt forms of abuse as hitting or kicking, but other signs of animal cruelty can be more subtle. According to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, these “red flags” include:
- Howling or barking for a long time or higher-pitched, more persistent vocal sounds than usual
- Singed, matted, or chronically dirty fur
- Wounds, unusual scars, hair loss or frequent limping (often on different legs)
- Prominent ribs
- Animals kept caged or tied for long periods without regular interaction with people
- Lack of protection from the weather or feces-or debris-strewn living areas
- Extremely tight collars or halters that dig into an animal’s face or neck
- A large number of animals arriving at or leaving a property
If you know of or suspect animal cruelty, it is recommended that you contact police or your local animal control officer.
Reference:
Magazine of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University