Many people have been asking why their pets’ stomachs are abnormally enlarged. Well, this is a result of what is called bloat. It mostly occurs in puppies when air and gas are filled up in the stomach and cannot be released. Bloat is disproportionately common in large, giant breed puppies, particularly Great Danes, Akitas, Irish setters, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners.
This guide will discuss symptoms, causes and ways of treating bloat in puppies. Let’s get straight into it!!
What Is Bloat?
Bloat, also known as (GDV) gastric dilation-volvulus is a situation whereby the stomach is filled with air and twists itself until the entrance and exit are blocked. This twisting cuts off blood circulation to the stomach and spleen, compressing veins that carry blood to the heart and severely restricts normal blood flow or circulation. Restricted blood circulation can rupture the stomach wall and reduce the chance of breathing well.
Note: Bloat is a leading cause of death among large-breed puppies, so it should not be overlooked. Call your vet immediately if you notice any bloat in your puppy.
Symptoms of Bloat in Puppies
As said earlier, Bloat is deadly in puppies. In most cases, and depending on the large breed, your puppy will likely go into shock and die a few hours after beginning to exhibit its symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms we list below, bring your puppy to an animal hospital for emergency surgery.
Symptoms of Bloat in Puppies
- Distended stomach
- Whining
- Abdominal pain
- Shallow breathing
- Collapse
- Dry heaving
- Pale gums
Puppies experiencing bloat at a point in time will appear visibly uncomfortable and usually have a distended stomach. The pain may make your puppy restless, paced, whined, and cried. Puppies may also wretch without producing vomit, as the blocked stomach entry will prevent regurgitation. Their gums may appear pale, demonstrating a lack of oxygen due to shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If your puppy is not treated, I don’t think it will likely survive.
Causes of Bloat
There are several factors that can increase the risk of bloat in your puppy.
Breed: As we said earlier, puppies of large and giant breeds are always more likely to experience bloat than mixed breeds. Great Danes, Akitas, poodles, German shepherds, Irish setters, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners are the most predisposed breeds. My Large and giant breeds are susceptible to this because they have wider, deeper stomachs that can hold more air, putting them at higher risk. Still, puppies of any size can develop bloat, but we are trying to say that it is more common in larger breeds.
Ingesting too much food or water quickly: Bloat is also caused by puppies eating or drinking very fast. While eating or drinking too fast, they can inhale and trap large amounts of air in their stomachs, leading to bloat. The food or water can sometimes cause bloat, as a too-full stomach can press on other organs, no matter what is filling it.
Exercising after eating: We might be eager to talk our puppies out on a walk. Exercising your good is good, but right after eating is bad; if a puppy partakes in strenuous exercise too soon, its stomach can twist and swell, leading to bloat.
Anxiety: Puppies that display signs of irritability, anxiety, and aggression may be at a higher risk of developing bloat, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Weight: relating to what we said about large breeds before, dogs of any breed that weigh over 100 pounds have a higher risk of 20% of developing bloat at some point in their life.
Diagnosing Bloat in Puppies
When diagnosing bloat in puppies, the vet will carefully examine clinical signs and review the medical history. Additionally, they may conduct blood analysis and employ imaging tests such as ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests will help determine the extent of the bloat, and blood analysis will help determine the level of oxygen loss. It is advisable to diagnose speedily, as an operation should happen as soon as possible when bloat is detected.
Treatment of Bloat
As said earlier, diagnosis should be made as much as possible, so it will help to know how to treat it. Firstly, your vet will stabilise your puppy by administering IV fluids and oxygen. In order to treat bloat, the veterinarian will use a tube to decompress your puppy’s distended stomach. This procedure helps to remove the excess air from the stomach and allows for the restoration of normal blood flow. When the stomach is twisted, your puppy will need surgery to reconfigure it properly. In certain cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove a portion of the stomach or even the entire spleen. If your puppy’s surgery is successful, your surgeon may perform a gastropexy to prevent future twisting.
Recovery of Puppies With Bloat
Recovery care for puppies with bloat may vary depending on how early treatment was administered and the extent of the damage caused to their organs. After surgery, your vet will monitor your puppy in the clinic for several days. Some puppies can return to normal shortly after surgery, while some may still die regardless of treatment.
How to Prevent Bloat
Although you can’t completely prevent bloat, there are some measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of bloat in your pups. Gastropexy surgery can be recommended to avoid this, particularly in Great Danes or other large breed puppies that are easy to bloat. Gastropexy doesn’t prevent air from being trapped in the stomach, but it does help keep the stomach from twisting.
You can take many at-home measures to minimise your puppy’s bloat risk. Remember to take some preventive measures, such as:
- waiting at least 2 hours after eating before exercising your puppy.
- lowering your puppy’s food bowl
- Feeding smaller amounts of food several times a day.
- Positive puppy socialization that reduces anxiety can also help prevent bloat as it ages.
FAQ
Why does eating too fast cause bloat?
If your puppy eats too much or too quickly, its stomach can become excessively filled with food and gas, putting pressure on other organs and leading to bloat.
How common is puppy bloat in small-breed dogs?
Bloat, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that most frequently occurs in large and giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Weimaraners. However, it’s important to note that all dogs, regardless of size, can experience this condition.
How quickly does bloat occur?
After your puppy begins experiencing symptoms, such as a swollen or bloated abdomen, bloat can set in within two to three hours. It’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice these symptoms.
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