Bloat in labradors: risks, symptoms and prevention

Video: Bloating akita

© / kalinovsky

Here at Labrador Training HQ, we’ve recommended plenty of dog foods, but we haven’t yet touched on the risks of bloat when feeding your dog, so that’s what we’re going to discuss today.

Unfortunately, Labradors – along with all other deep-chested dogs – have a greater risk of developing bloat than other breeds, so every Lab owner should bone up on this topic.

Bloat is a serious problem that can prove fatal, especially if no steps are taken early on. That’s why it’s vital you know what you can do to help prevent it and how to spot the symptoms so you can take immediate action if it seems your Lab is affected.

Contents & Quick Navigation

• 1 What Is Bloat in Dogs?
• 2 Symptoms and Signs of Bloat in Dogs
• 3 What Causes Bloat In Dogs?
• 4 How Is Bloat Treated?
• 5 How to Prevent Bloat in Dogs?
• 6 What You Should Take Away

• 6.1 Lauren Corona

What Is Bloat in Dogs?

The correct medical term for the condition commonly known as bloat is gastric dilation-volvus, or GDV. However, it is also sometimes referred to as gastric torsion, stomach torsion or a twisted stomach.

According to PetEducation.com, GDV is technically two conditions, or there are two parts to the same condition:

1. The first is the gastric dilation, which is when the stomach expands
2. The second is the volvus, where the stomach twists causing an obstruction.

During the dilation phase, the stomach fills up with air putting pressure on the organs around it and the dog’s diaphragm, making it hard for the dog to breathe. It also compresses veins in the abdomen, making it more difficult for blood to return to the heart.

When the stomach is filled with air and in this dilated state, it can much more easily twist. This is the volvus, or torsion, part of GDV. When this occurs, the dog’s whole blood supply is compromised, and their condition will deteriorate quickly.

Not every dog who develops gastric dilation will progress to the volvus stage. However, every dog who suffers from volvus does so as a result of gastric dilation.

Symptoms and Signs of Bloat in Dogs

Bloat has a range of symptoms, but remember- your dog may not display each and every one of these. Even if they display just a single one of these symptoms, it’s worth getting them checked out ASAP.

During the dilation phase, according to WebMD, your dog may:

• Have visibly distended stomach (look bloated – hence the name.)
• Look anxious
• Drool
• Pace
• Look at their stomach
• Try to vomit, but have nothing come up

Then, as the condition worsens, and the stomach is starting to twist, they may:

• Be short of breath
• Have pale gums
• Have a rapid heartbeat
• Feel weak
• Collapse

Sadly, even with treatment, as many as 25 to 33 percent of dogs who develop GVD die. The sooner you get your dog to the vet, the better, because the prognosis is much better if it’s caught before the stomach twists.

Even if you’re a little concerned your dog might possibly have bloat, don’t wait around and see if they start to show any other symptoms, take them to the veterinary clinic right away. An unnecessary vet bill is much better than losing your four-legged friend.

Video: Bloat- Dog Killer. What ALL dog owners need to know.

What Causes Bloat In Dogs?

© / SergeyNivens

Before we start with this section, it’s worth noting that in many cases it’s unclear exactly what causes bloat in dogs. Vets and other experts have theories, but there’s no certain answer.

If you look at the research that’s been carried out, there seem to be certain unavoidable risk factors, such as breed and age, but also some potential causes that can be avoided.

According to AllLabs.com, one of the most thorough, long-range studies on bloat was carried out by Dr. Larry Glickman from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.

This study followed almost 2,000 dogs over five years, and found a correlation between increased likelihood of getting bloat and the following factors:

• Chest size and shape: Dogs with deep and narrow chests have the highest chance of developing bloat.
• Weight: Slimmer dogs have more chance of suffering gastric torsion than overweight dogs, possibly because fat takes up room in the abdominal cavity, making it harder for the stomach to twist.
• Age: In larger breeds, dogs over five are 20 percent more likely to develop the condition.
• Genetics: Bloat may have a genetic factor, as dogs who had a first degree relative who had contracted bloat were 63 percent more likely to get it themselves.
• Eating speed: Dogs who eat their food quickly have a 15 percent higher chance of developing GDV compared to slower eaters.
• Eating position: Although previous thoughts suggested the opposite, raised food and water bowls actually increase the risk of a dog getting bloat, by as much as 110 percent.
• Temperament: Dogs whose owners described them as being fearful, anxious or aggressive were more likely to get bloat than those who were described as having a happy temperament.
• Stress: Dogs who have recently been through a stressful event, such as a move or a stay in kennels, seem to be more likely to contract bloat.
• Sex: A higher percentage of males suffer from bloat compared to females.
• Dry food: Dogs who eat just dry kibble are more likely to bloat than those on a wet food diet or those who eat wet food or table food mixed in with their kibble.
• Meal size: Eating a single, large meal a day increases the risk of bloating, compared to dogs who eat two or three smaller meals a day.

There are some popular theories about why dogs bloat which the above study couldn’t substantiate. It could be that these theories are incorrect, but it’s important to remember that this is just one study, so it’s not fully conclusive.

Commonly believed risk factors which couldn’t be proved include:

• Dogs being exercised soon before or after eating.
• Drinking too much water with their food.
• The brand of dog food that’s consumed.

How Is Bloat Treated?

There are several ways of treating bloat, depending on the progression of the dog’s condition. Before we discuss this though, we want to make one thing very clear;

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