Bloat in dogs - Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus

What is meant by the term "bloat" in dogs?

This is a term that is synonymous with the more scientific term Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus (GDV). Dilatation means that the stomach is distended with air, but it is located in the abdomen in its correct place. Volvulus means that the distension is associated with a twisting of the stomach on its longitudinal axis. GDV is a rare but very serious disease that frequently causes death.

How or why does it occur? 

We are not sure how or why this condition occurs. Original theories suggested that it occurred when a dog ate a large meal of dry food and then drank a lot of water. Although this is the most common explanation given, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. In most dogs experiencing GDV, the stomach is not excessively full of dry food and the dog has not recently engaged in strenuous exercise. The most current theory is that the stomach's contractions lose their regular rhythm and trap air in the stomach; this can cause the twisting event. However, in most cases, there is no explanation as to why the condition occurs.

How is it diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosis concerns breed disposition. The condition almost always occurs in deep-chested dogs of giant or large breeds. Some of the more commonly affected breeds include Great Danes, Irish Setters, German Shepherds, Afghan Hounds and Basset Hounds. 

The next step is to establish that the stomach is distended with air. An enlarged stomach will cause the body wall to protrude prominently, especially on the dog's left side. The swelling will be very firm and obvious enough to see across the room. Occasionally, this distension is not very apparent. This occurs in dogs that have a large portion of the stomach up under the rib cage. In most cases, however, the owner is able to detect the distension.

A dog that experiences significant pain will be very depressed. It may lie in what is commonly called a "praying position" with the front legs drawn fully forward. This should occur quickly, within two to three hours at the most. 

The presence of a rapidly developing distended abdomen in a large breed dog is enough evidence to make a tentative diagnosis of GDV. A radiograph (x-ray) is used to confirm the diagnosis of dilatation. It can also identify the presence of volvulus, in most cases.

What happens when the stomach is distended with air? 

The first major life-threatening event that occurs is shock. This occurs because the distended stomach puts pressure on the large veins in the abdomen that carry blood back to the heart. Without proper return of blood, the output of blood from the heart is diminished, and the tissues are deprived of blood and oxygen. 

The reduced blood output from the heart and the high pressure within the cavity of the stomach cause the stomach wall to be deprived of adequate circulation. If the blood supply is not restored quickly, the wall of the stomach begins to die and the wall may rupture. If volvulus occurs, the spleen's blood supply will also be impaired. This organ is attached to the stomach wall and shares some large blood vessels. When the stomach twists, the spleen is also rotated to an abnormal position and its vessels are compressed.

When the stomach is distended, digestion stops. This results in the accumulation of toxins that are normally removed from the intestinal tract. These are absorbed into the circulation. These toxins activate several chemicals that cause inflammation. This causes problems with the blood clotting factors so that inappropriate clotting occurs within blood vessels. This is called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and is usually fatal.

What is done to save the dog's life?

There are several important steps that must be taken quickly.

1. Shock must be treated with administration of large quantities of intravenous fluids. They must be given quickly some dogs require more than one intravenous line.
2. Pressure must be removed from within the stomach. This may be done with a tube that is passed from the mouth to the stomach. Another method is to insert a large bore needle through the skin into the stomach. A third method is to make an incision through the skin into the stomach and to temporarily suture the opened stomach to the skin. The last method is usually done when the dog's condition is so grave that anaesthesia and abdominal surgery is not possible.
3. The stomach must be returned to its proper position. This requires abdominal surgery that can be risky because of the dog's condition.
4. The stomach wall must be inspected for areas that may have lost blood supply. Although this is a very bad prognostic sign, the devitalised area(s) of the stomach should be surgically removed.
5. The stomach must be attached to the abdominal wall (gastropexy) to prevent recurrence of GDV. Although this is not always successful, this procedure greatly reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
6. Abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart (arrhythmias) must be diagnosed and treated. Severe arrhythmias can become life-threatening at the time of surgery and for several days after surgery. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the best method for monitoring the heart's rhythm.

What is the survival rate?

The severity of the distension, the degree of shock, how quickly treatment is begun, and the presence of other diseases, especially those involving the heart, will largely determine this. Approximately 60 to 70% of dogs will survive if treatment is instigated early.

What can be done to prevent it from occurring again?

The most effective means of prevention is gastropexy, the surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall. This will not prevent dilatation (bloat), but it will prevent volvulus in most cases. Various dietary and exercise restrictions may also be used.