My experience with Bloat -Link on video of recent experience
I just had a very difficult experience yesterday with my son 16 year old, Malinois, her name is Maui and it had been over 15 years since last I experienced the scary event of Bloat in Dogs, this led me to create an informal video I'll share with you and also to share information with my Southernwind families about it. This is an experience I would never want any of dog owners to go through, it's definitely a Death Sentence if you do not grab the signs early enough.
I was lucky to grab all the signs on Maui and to the worse, the vet really didn't feel it was going to be successful to put me under Anesthesia a 16-year-old malinois, so i worked with her on the ways i used to work with Horse colics and some things I learned from previous experience because truly I was and will never be prepared to not do anything when this type of situation is in front of my eyes, I learned from my MOTHER to be a PROACTIVE person no matter the situation and more when it has to do with my own dogs that are my family, my companions, I owe it to them, I will go to the end of my faculties to try to save them.! I'm highly grateful to my Vet Mentor Dr Luis Colon who taught me many home remedies and first-action courses while I worked with him.
Still, remember the first time i called him with an emergency for i was the Director of training in a Huge race Horse and Breeding race Horse facility, we had over 90 horses in training and mares for breeding, and one day one of the colts jumped over backward and his head fell on a rock and the bleeding would not stop and I immediately called Dr. Colon to come and help me, and his words were "Ceci you are capable of stitching that horse and more, I know you can do it, Ill come in the afternoon and check on him, but now, you jump into action and stitch him up" Not to say I was deadly afraid, but this Veterianrian did think out of the Box and taught me to do so as well and to be creative when it comes to saving an animals life!
Anyway coming back to the Bloat in Dogs ...
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, particularly large and deep-chested breeds. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and becomes distended, often twisting on its axis. Bloat can lead to restricted blood flow to the stomach and other organs, causing tissue damage and organ failure if not treated promptly.
The exact cause of bloat is not fully understood, but several factors have been identified as potential contributors. These include rapid eating, consuming large meals, drinking excessive amounts of water, exercising vigorously before or after meals, and a genetic predisposition in certain breeds.
To help prevent bloat in dogs, here are some recommendations:
Feeding Routine: Divide your dog's daily meals into multiple smaller portions, rather than providing one large meal. This helps prevent them from eating too quickly and reduces the chances of their stomach becoming overly distended.
Slow Feeding: Utilize specialized slow-feed bowls or food puzzles that make it more challenging for dogs to eat quickly. Slowing down their eating pace can reduce the risk of swallowing air while they consume their meals.
Controlled Water Intake: Monitor your dog's water consumption, especially after meals and intense exercise. Limit their access to large amounts of water during these times to avoid excessive intake.
Avoid Vigorous Exercise: Restrict strenuous exercise, particularly before and after meals. Instead, encourage gentle walks or playtime to prevent excessive exertion.
Elevated Feeding: Consider using an elevated feeder to promote better digestion and reduce the likelihood of your dog gulping air while eating.
Avoid Stressful Situations: Minimize stress and anxiety in your dog's environment, as stress can contribute to the development of bloat.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for your dog, as some medical conditions may increase the risk of bloat. Your vet can provide guidance based on your dog's specific needs.
If you suspect your dog may be experiencing bloat, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Bloat is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Remember, while these preventative measures can reduce the risk of bloat, they may not guarantee its complete prevention. Therefore, it's essential to be vigilant and attentive to your dog's well-being and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's breed, size, and overall health.