Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV, Bloat)
This problem may occur when there is an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid and/or foam in the stomach, with or without “volvulus” (twisting) of the stomach and spleen.
This is a life threatening issue!
If there is any reason to suspect bloat, please seek veterinary assistance for your pet immediately.
Submit a CWCHF Poster Dog.
From the AKC Canine Health Foundation:
Bloat is of foremost concern to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and its donors, and as such will require a major research effort to identify the underlying mechanisms of this disease. In response to donor concern, we are launching a Bloat Research Initiative to better define, and ultimately eradicate, bloat in dogs.
Understanding Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or “Bloat” >>
Watch Webinar on Bloat: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know >>
Symptoms: Anxiety, unproductive vomiting, painful distended stomach, collapse. Symptoms often occur after eating and/or drinking quickly, with vigorous excercise, but can also occur without any obvious cause.
Treatment Options: This is a condition which can require emergency surgery for treatment. Do not hesitate to seek veterinary asssistance immediately because early diagnosis and care can save your pet’s life.
Known Mode of Inheritance: Unknown, possibly a combination of genetic phenotype, temperament and environment.
Age of onset: < 7 yrs, with increased risk over time and in cases with predisposed relatives.
Breeds affected.
- Cardigan: yes
- Pembroke: yes
- Other Breeds: yes, particularly deep chested dogs, with increased risk if there are affected relatives.
Incidence in Cardigans: Unknown. Reports of cases have been relatively infrequent.
Research/Studies:
- Cardigans: no
- Other breeds: yes, pembrokes and several other breeds.
- Active?: no
Registry: no
Tests Available: no
Research links:
Published papers and Articles:
- Influence of thoracic conformation and genetics on the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus in Irish setters.
- Multiple risk factors for the gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in dogs: a practitioner/owner case-control study.
Discussion Groups:
- FaceBook Group: BLOAT
Websites:
- ACVS link to read about diagnosis and treatment
- Bloat In Dogs. This website has a lot of information and advice. Much of it is already covered in the above CHF and ACVS links, but also includes some less technical terms and descriptions.