The Silent Killer - Gastric Torsion - Bloat - know your dog, know the signs, it could save them!

As a dog owner of many years, and always concerned with health issues, my dogs and I have been VERY lucky to have escaped this terrible condition for over 30 years, recently I was faced with this situation, this condition, and believe me it's not nice.  The first thing I'd say to anyone is KNOW your dog, know his shape, his ways, know him inside out, the second thing I'd say to you is if at any time you are faced with one or more of the following signs then don't delay get your dog to a VET as SOON AS POSSIBLE , you could have a life threatening situation on your hands, it's better to be told you've over-reacted than to be faced with everything that we've been faced with I promise you.  

Gastric Torsion - Bloat does kill, time is of the essence, you have no time to spare  every second is vital - Gastric Torsion - Bloat is a LIFE THREATENING SITUATION a TRUE EMERGENCY!!!

Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following.  Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog.   Know your dog and know when it's not acting right.

Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful) may occur every 5-20 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom"

Doesn't act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs

Significant anxiety and restlessness
One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical
"Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance
This seems to occur fairly frequently

Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum) sounding hollow when gently tapped
Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent

Pale or off-color gums
Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages

Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy

Coughing
Unproductive gagging
Heavy salivating or drooling
Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
Unproductive attempts to defecate
Whining
Pacing
Licking the air
Seeking a hiding place 
Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort 
May refuse to lie down or even sit: apparent weakness, may stand spread-legged 
Shallow breathing 
Cold mouth membranes 
Especially in advanced stage 
**Accelerated heartbeat as bloating progresses** 
**Weak pulse** 
**Collapse** 

Forget any home remedies you may have they simply won't work!

Many dogs don't even make it to the surgery, they're found by their owners to be dead on arrival, many will not be able to with stand the surgery it's self, we're talking major surgery here, many will sadly develop complications, and there may come the point where your vet no matter how caring and eminent in their field just cannot do any more for your dog, at that point you need to make your decision - probably one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make but you'll have to make it.  Yes the mortality rate is high.

We need more information on this terrible condition, noted to affect deep chested dogs but can, and does affect almost all breeds, we need more research, we simply need to know more!!!!  We need more accurate advice on care of deep chested dogs etc. there's some good information out there these days but beware there's also a lot of utter rubbish!  Until we unite and have a voice we won't be heard, all breed councils should be looking into this horrific condition, it's the second highest killer condition of dogs, and this is the 21st century, if that doesn't make you stop and think, it should!

If what I've written here can help save just one dog, then it's been worth my sitting here doing it through a haze of inner pain and unanswered questions.  For anyone who wonders what happened to Chubbs, well I'll tell you, he fought the battle for 5 days, complications set in and sadly he could fight no more, despite the best care and all the love that surrounded him.

If you've experienced this condition for yourself we'd be grateful if you could take just a moment to answer a few questions, that may help others in future.  Thank you.

1. When did they notice symptoms. After meal, day/night. After walking…?

2. Was your dog operated on straight away?

3. Where they actual torsions or dilatations?

4. Did they have a pexie and did they have their spleen removed?

5. What is the survival rate?

6. What did you feed afterward and when?

7. Did it happen again, if so how long after?

8. Age of affected dog?

If you prefer not to give your name for any reason that's fine too, we just need answers, it's a starting place.

You can contact us here Carole  every mail helps

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