Dane DispatchNov2017

As the problem progresses, your dog may
go into shock, with pale gums and
tongue, rapid heart rate, weak pulse,
problems breathing and collapse.
If there is any suspicion of bloat, take your
pet to the nearest vet hospital. If the stomach
has twisted, then emergency surgery
is the only option
Here are some precautions to take to help
prevent this deadly condition:
Wait at least one hour after eating
or drinking before allowing exercise.
This is the main factor shown
to prevent bloat.
Don't encourage your dog to roll
over. Though a low risk, the twisting
action has been shown to lead to
bloat.
In fact, some veterinarians
do not rotate a dog over their back
while anesthetized due to this risk.
Feed 2-3 meals during the day rather
than one large meal. However,
be sure that you're taking the
measured amount of daily food
and dividing it into the meals rather
than giving the once daily amount
two or three times.
(gastropexy). While this doesn't completely
prevent the stomach from rotating, it
does lower the risk. Some advocate having
this surgery performed routinely on
high-risk breeds, but personally I disagree.
Even in breeds that are prone to
bloat most will never have this happen in
their life span, and I don't think the benefits
of the procedure (since it's not a guarantee
that it will never happen) outweigh
the risks. Remember, this is only in cases of
preventative surgery. I certainly do think
that it should be done in a dog who has
bloated once since they show a personal
tendency and it will very likely happen
again.
A Gastropexy simply stops the stomach
from twisting, which is the cause of the life
endangering symptoms. However, your
dog can still get bloat after the surgery,
although they will be able to burp and
pass excess gas which means you have
more time to get to your vet for treatment.
It turns a life-threatening emergency into
something with significantly less risk.
See the attached quick reference bloatchart
drawn up by Great Dane Rescue
North Texas to help you recognise the
signs and determine severity of bloat in
your Dane and what stand you to do.
Don't allow excessive water drinking
immediately before or after a
meal. Abnormal amounts of water
have the potential to delay breakdown
of food and lead to gas production.
Dr. Carel Breytenbach (BVSc)
Muldersdrif Dierekliniek
muld_vet@mweb.co.za
Dogs who have had episodes of GDV are
at risk for further occurrences. A surgery
can be performed to attach the outside
lining of the stomach to the body wall
22