Significant advances have been made in research on gastric dilatation, otherwise
known as bloat. Bloat is not a dietary disease. Rather it is a disorder
of the digestive system which has been poorly understood, according to Dr.
Dottie Laflamme, veterinary nutritionist, Ralston Purina pet nutrition and
care research.
Bloat is characterized by expansion of the stomach with gas or frothy material
(dilatation). The stomach will not empty normally and it is difficult for
food to advance into the intestines, nor will it pass in the other direction
as vomit.
Dilatation can be followed by a rotation of the stomach, called volvulus,
which closes both entry to and exit from the stomach, so that relief of
the distended state is not possible. This rotation compresses one of the
major veins carrying blood to the heart, severely depressing normal blood
circulation. This can quickly lead to shock and death.
Bloat primarily affects deep-chested, mature members of large breeds, but
it also has been reported in smaller dogs. More cases are reported between
April and August, when dogs are likely to be more active.
Purina experts suggest some steps to take to decrease the chances of bloat:
· Do not allow your dog to become overweight. · Feed several
small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. · If you
have more than one dog, feed the dogs individually in a quiet place to help
calm eager eaters who may swallow a lot of air when eating. · Do
not feed your dog immediately before or after vigorous exercise. ·
Sudden diet changes can trigger gastric upsets. Change a dog's diet gradually
over a period of seven to 10 days. Begin with a small amount of the new
food and gradually increase this amount each day. · Be alert to symptoms
such as abdominal swelling and unproductive vomiting. · Consult your
regular veterinarian if you suspect problems, or for further information.
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