FYI: Bloat [Adopt a Greyhound]

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For Your Information:BLOAT

By the Morris Animal Foundation

BLOAT KILLS DOGS

It may be a funny name, but bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) as it is called by many veterinarians, is no laughing matter. The intestinal disorder kills an estimated 36,000 dogs in the U.S. each year.

The onset is sudden. For unknown reasons, gas accumulates rapidly in the dog's stomach, causing an increase in pressure, compression of the surrounding organs and shock. The stomach may twist or displace. Bloat can be rapidly fatal. About 30% of affected dogs die.

WHY DOES BLOAT HAPPEN?

Despite years of study, veterinary scientists are unable to pinpoint the cause of bloat. Many factors have been suggested as causes, including cereal-based diets, hereditary predisposition and swallowing air, but none of these has been proven.

The dog most likely to suffer from bloat is one of the large or giant breeds, especially deep-chested breeds. However, bloat is seen in dachshunds and other small dogs. Particularly susceptible breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers, Basset hounds and German Short-haired pointers.

QUICK ACTION HELPS

Often, quick action on the part of the dog's owner can help save the dog's life. If the pressure on the dog's stomach is relieved, or if it is rushed to surgery to correct a twist, the animal stands a better chance of survival.

Dogs that bloat once are more likely to bloat again. Your veterinarian may show you techniques to try to relieve the pressure.

There are surgical procedures that veterinarians can perform to help prevent future cases of bloat.

SYMPTOMS OF BLOAT

Knowing the symptoms of bloat can help owners. These can include evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at the belly, anxiety and unproductive attempts to vomit. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately .

STEPS OWNERS CAN TAKE

Though no one knows why certain dogs suffer from bloat or how to prevent it, some management practices appear to reduce the incidence of bloat. These include:

Feed large dogs two or three times a day, preferably at times when someone can observe after-feeding behavior.

Owners of susceptible breeds should establish a good working relationship with a local veterinarian familiar with bloat, and should discuss emergency measures.

Make sure water is available to dogs at all times, but limit quantities.

Dogs should avoid vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress one hour before and two hours after meals. Walking is permissible and may help stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.

You should make diet changes gradually over a period of 3-5 days.

You should feed susceptible dogs individually and in a quiet location.

Pay special attention to the above procedures after animals return home from being at a veterinary hospital or boarded.

Dogs that survive bloat are at increased risk. Discuss preventative surgery or medical management with your veterinarian.

WHAT IS BEING DONE

Scientists do not know all there is to know about bloat. Until they understand why the problem occurs, they cannot hope to prevent it. Further study through grants to veterinary colleges focuses on which dogs are most susceptible, and how their management and care differs from that of other dogs.

Morris Animal Foundation's Bloat Panel, an advisory group of veterinary scientists who are expert in this field, has recommended this approach.

If you are interested in obtaining the report of the Bloat Panel or helping with future studies, please fill out the coupon below.

Morris Animal Foundation

They Share The Earth...They Share Our Lives...

Morris Animal Foundation, founded in 1948 by veterinarian Mark L. Morris, funds health studies for cats, dogs, horses, and wildlife primarily at veterinary colleges throughout North America. Since its inception, the foundation has sponsored nearly 580 studies costing approximately $12 million.

Foundation studies have been instrumental in advancing veterinary medicine for many animal health problems, including parvovirus in dogs, leukemia in cats and Potomac horse fever. Over 50 studies are currently underway, searching for answers to conditions such as canine cancer and genetic disorders, feline urologic syndrome (FUS), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), equine colic and diseases of birds and llamas. Recent wildlife studies have focused on African wild dogs, rhinos and mountain gorillas.

A Scientific Advisory Board assures credibility and quality of funded projects. This eight-member board is composed of leading veterinary scientists who volunteer their time and expertise to the Foundation.

Foundation work does not stop with the funding of health projects for animals. Information from Foundation projects is disseminated to veterinarians, animal owners, clubs, and others interested in improving the quality of life for animals.

Morris Animal Foundation is an international, nonprofit organization that depends primarily on individual contributions to continue its studies on improving the health of animals. All unrestricted, annual contributions support animal health programs, not administration.

You can help support health studies for cats, dogs, horses and wild animals by contributing an amount of your choice to the Morris Animal Foundation. Just fill out the coupon below and mail it to Morris Animal Foundation, 45 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112 USA.

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Morris Animal Foundation
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Englewood, Colorado 80112 USA.

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From The Greyhound Project, Inc.'s
Adopt a Greyhound Page
http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org

Please also read about The Greyhound Project's
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