One of the most potentially serious conditions a German Shepherd can suffer from is something called Bloat. In scientific terms, it’s more commonly referred to as GDV, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. The stomach becomes bloated with air or fluid, often accompanied by a twist (volvulus), as it rotates around the esophagus and the duodenum.
The condition is painful, unhealthy and potentially life-threatening. Why it occurs isn’t completely understood, but the condition and treatment are well known, provided it can be caught in time.
One sign to look for is any ‘unproductive’ vomiting or inability to belch. If your Shepherd is unable to regurgitate after trying for a few minutes, don’t panic. It may be that they simply don’t have anything to bring up. But if it occurs when they’ve just had a meal, proving they have stomach contents, a call to the vet is in order. Sometimes they will be able to produce some material, but if it appears foamy then make that call.
Though the causes are still murky, there are several factors that may be involved. Genetics is clearly one of them, but diet and eating habits may be more relevant. Peas, onions, beans and other foods can cause an excess of gas to build up. If the stomach twists that gas can get trapped. Feed only high quality dog food always, and reduce the size of meals if you suspect GDV.
Hyperventilation may produce an excessive intake of air which can become trapped. This can lead to breathing difficulties, especially for older dogs. Avoiding stressful situations when possible is called for. Shepherds aren’t particularly fearful dogs, but some react badly in the face of thunderstorms and other loud noises. Try to provide a quiet room and a calming voice.
An extended stomach is a possible sign of Bloat. By the time this stage is reached, the problem is serious and you should seek a vet’s attention. Feel the dog’s stomach when he is in a standing position. It should feel relatively soft and aligned with the body. If it’s hard, extended or sounds hollow when tapped gently, you may be dealing with a case of Bloat.
GDV can cause a disruption of proper blood flow, as the vessels become constricted from pressure and twisting. This can interfere with a number of important body systems. Oxygen levels in the blood may become reduced, stomach cells may begin to die, and toxins and bacteria can be released into the bloodstream. Kidney failure is a possibility. Cardiac Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat can occur. All of these require professional medical treatment as soon as possible.
If you suspect your German Shepherd has GDV or Bloat, stay calm. Look for the signs and get on the phone with your vet. He or she can best decide whether drug treatment or surgery is warranted.
Richard Laplante
That sounds like one painful disorder. Sure hope they find a cure for it soon.
HART (1-800-HART)
It is a painful and serious disorder! From another post:
http://www.petlvr.com/blog/2005/08/pet-first-aid-and-emergency-care/
Bloat can occur rapidly; a dog can be dead within hours of the stomach distention. Death is usually due to circulatory failure and shock. The causes of bloat are still being investigated but bloating seems to be most prevalent in large breeds and seems to occur more commonly if the dog exercises after a large meal. There are different types of Bloat but any time it occurs it is very serious. If you ever notice your dog gagging and trying to vomit and shows signs of a distended abdomen… call your veterinarian immediately! This is a true emergency. The belly will appear rounded and full and be rather hard and tight when you touch it. For a short description of Bloat in the dog, look at this page and you will see some radiographs of a dog with Bloat.
Wallie Gee
I did not know about bloat. Last Tuesday 08/26/2008, my Chow Chow Bella Bear was going in and out of the dog door and made a little whinning noise. I knew immediately that something was amiss. I went to her and I usually give her a belly rub and to my surprise, her abdomen was hard as a blown up balloon and Bella cried again. I called my Vet right away and they told me not to bring her in, but to take her to the Emergency Animal Hospital immediately plus adding that this is life threatening. I immediately drove Bella to the hospital and they were waiting for my arrival due to a call from my Vet and within a half hour, Bella was in emergency surgery. I was lucky and Bella even luckier as the surgery was a success and she is home with me now. I was fortunate enough to have noticed the symptoms and reacted quickly. It saved her life! Her stomach turned 90 degrees and her spleen was moved, but because this was corrected right away, there was no damage to any organs. Her stomach was repositioned and spleen put back with no ill effects. Bella is in recovery and in the healing process that will take about 3 weeks. We are grateful to have terrific Vets and owe them our eternal graditude. Everyone that has a dog should be armed with the knowledge required to look out for bloat. I can kill within hours!
HART (1-800-HART)
Wow Wallie .. good for Bella that you notice the symptoms! I hope she has a smooth recovery!
Thanks for sharing.
HART (1-800-HART)
(From the PetLvr Archives): Bloat – And What To Do About It http://bit.ly/bGoyrC
Rebecca Leaman
Several years ago, a friend lost her greyhound to bloat. Knowing that greyhounds, like other deep-chested dogs, are at extra risk of bloat, she’d always taken all the recommended precautions – so it was really a shock to all of us as well as a devastating personal loss for my friend. TIME would have made all of the difference, perhaps, but bloat hit in mid-evening in the middle of a snowstorm that choked the roads and slowed down their emergency trip to the veterinary hospital. Ever since then, the rest of us locally who have greyhounds have been hyper-vigilant about safeguarding against bloat. Of course there are no guarantees, but knowledge and awareness are vital. Thank you for posting this information to help other dog owners keep their pets safe!
HART (1-800-HART)
Thanks for sharing that Rebecca!
Speaking of TIME .. we had a similar situation with our Papillon Maxxie, related to CDDD which is common in the smaller toy breeds. Basically, it happened over XMAS 2007 which was a tuesday and the vet wasn’t opened until the day after Boxing day (thursday) and this started almost a week earlier. Full 100% recovery could have been made if surgery was done within 36 hours. He’s mostly recovered today, and a happy dog and it was just pretty much lousy timing ..
http://www.petlvr.com/blog/2007/12/caged-maxxie-with-canine-degenerative-disc-disease/
Why does most emergency vet issues always land during the weekend or snowstorms or the holidays? 🙁