Bloat question

[Sowa]

I've always been worried when my dogs get a bloated belly. I read about the symptoms and such before but I never really knew much about it. I've been doing a lot of reading about it today but still have questions.

I found this thread about someones experiences.
http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...293#post419293 (am I allowed to post another forums threads???)

I also saw a video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WrT...&feature=share

I'm curious if your dog will ALWAYS show these signs? For example Clover's belly was big last night, she had thrown up the day before and was sick, but that evening she wasn't showing the other signs of bloat like pacing, attempting to throw up, etc. So should I be certain it's not bloat? I really don't have the money to rush her to the vet every time her belly is big. However if there is a CHANCE she could have it, I have no problems checking.

From everything I'd read it seems the dogs always have these symptoms. Can anyone verify this or add anything else I need to know?

[IRescue452]

Autumn bloats up like a fat orange pumpkin when she's in pain. When she throws out her back, when her arthritis is bothering her, whenever there is pain involved. Its not the same as a twisted stomach in her case. She's done this since 6 months old when she first slipped a disc. I don't know how you can tell in your dog if it is or isn't, but I can tell you some dogs puff up when in pain if it helps.

[pomtzu]

Girl, you're gonna worry yourself into an ulcer! From the latest pics you posted in the other thread, she looks like she's feeling a lot better. If she had bloat, she'd be a VERY sick little girl. Give her some time to bounce back, afterall, she did have major surgery!

Sending {{{hugs}}} to you and Clover!

[Sowa]

Girl, you're gonna worry yourself into an ulcer! From the latest pics you posted in the other thread, she looks like she's feeling a lot better. If she had bloat, she'd be a VERY sick little girl. Give her some time to bounce back, afterall, she did have major surgery!

Sending {{{hugs}}} to you and Clover!

No no, I don't mean I think she has it now. I just want to know for the future what to look for exactly.

[Karen]

She's not as prone to bloat given her breed and structure. It CAN happen in any dog, but it is more likely to happen in dogs like greyhound or Great Danes that have a deep chest and narrow stomach. As long as you don't instigate play or running right after she eats, I would not worry about it. If she had it, she would be in pain and act that way, not just have a bug belly.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Just a quick overview of bloat.... Gastric dilation volvulus (bloat) is basically dilation of the stomach with ingesta and gas with rotation of the stomach into an abnormal position. It is typical seen in large, deep-chested breeds (Great Danes, Dobermans, Greyhounds,Irish wolfhounds, etc). Some dogs have often eaten a large meal, drank a large portion of water (sometimes too fast!), and often engaged in heavy exercise following either. Vomiting, reaching, and bloating. GDV is typically diagnosed with radiographs. I hope this was at least somewhat helpful!

[KYS]

My Rocky bloated/twisted 4 months ago. His symtoms:
Restless, he could not get comfortable. He would repeatedly lie down than get up. He tried to throw up but nothing would come out and he was wimpering. He was able to get into the van to take to the emergency vet where he was x-rayed. His stomach had twisted and he was put down 1 month before his 12th birthday. The signs were pretty clear, when he could not sit still, wimpering and trying to throw up but nothing comming out. He was very uncomfortable.

I do not think Bloat is that common. Rocky was a very deep chested dog, a worry wart and he was almost 12. Maybe these contributed to bloat. His sire also died of bloat at age 9.
When I got my first Akita that was the 1st time I ever heard of bloat. I worried sick about it and Sheba never got Bloat. By the time I got Rocky, I learned not to worry about it, but be aware of the symtoms just incase.

A dog who has bloat will be very uncomfortable, stomach might be extended and the signs will be clear if it is happening.

[Karen]

Audrey, I asked this question of Dr. Carol for you, for the "Ask a Vet" section of the radio show. I just emailed you the audio file, I hope you find it helpful!