Bloat question

[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!

[Asiel]

Sowa you need to take a deep breath and realize your dog is a lot tougher than you think. I know how hard it is not to worry but believe me Clover seems to be doing better each day. Stop reading all those articles and relax. Clover doesn't enter the conformation or type of dog to get bloat. The deep chested breeds are the most vulnerable. The worst cases I've seen are in German Shepherds. Beaucerons, Dobies and another that escapes me. I think GSD are the most prone for some reason and saying that, we've always owned Shepherds and not one ever bloated. It's mostly in the lines so if you study the parentage you just avoid lines that carry bloat, not that it can't happen anyway but your chances are far better of not getting it.
Go cuddle up to Clover and try to be cheery so she won't pick up on worry vibes....she will be fine once she's completely healed and she'll let you know when that day comes.
Yes I know, I'm one to talk when I chew my nails at the least little thing that happens to mine..

[Sowa]

I'm not trying to say she has bloat right now, all I'm asking for is to know the signs so I know. I'm not worrying about her bloating right now. I just want to know the signs.

[chocolatepuppy]

Sowa, probably the best info you have on bloat is that video of the Akita that had it. Here are the signs.
excessive salivation/drooling
extreme restlesness/pacing
unproductive attempts to vomit/defecate
evidence of adominal pain(whining and tenderness in the stomach area)
adominal distention
rapid breathing/panting
cold/pale mouth membranes
collapse

[Kater]

excessive salivation/drooling
extreme restlesness/pacing
unproductive attempts to vomit/defecate
evidence of adominal pain(whining and tenderness in the stomach area)
adominal distention
rapid breathing/panting
cold/pale mouth membranes
collapse

I think this is a good list.

Here are two more links that may be helpful...
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...&S=0&C=0&A=384
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...&S=0&C=0&A=672

Usually it is very apparent to an owner that something is seriously wrong with their dog in this situation. You are going to see more than just abdominal distension and the dog will most likely get progressively sicker in pretty short order. I am not sure what breed or age your dog is, but you may want to consider gastropexy (surgery that can prevent or greatly reduce the likelihood of bloat/GDV) if it is a big concern for you.