BLOAT:Do you know the signs?

Symptoms of BLOAT (Gastric Dilation-volvulus (GDV) in Weimaraners

Author & Illustrations: C.Brown, owner of a BLOAT survivor named Curri

Picture of Curri with her soft frisbees

Did you know that Weimaraners are among the breeds most at risk for BLOAT, also known as Gastric Dilation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition? If you own a Weimaraner or know someone who does, understanding this risk is especially important. In this edition, we'll cover the signs, risk factors, and steps you can take to recognize and respond to the signs of BLOAT.

Weimaraners, being deep-chested dogs, are very susceptible to BLOAT (Gastric Dilatation-volvulus or GDV). This potentially fatal condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and can twist, cutting off blood supply and requiring immediate emergency veterinary attention. 

There are several noticeable signs of BLOAT in dogs, but sometimes a dog with BLOAT may show very few visual symptoms and instead display more behavioural changes. Determining whether a Weimaraner's restlessness is due to anxiety or another form of stimulation can be challenging. Even subtle changes in your dog's behaviour can be a critical warning sign. Here are a few symptoms to watch for with your Weimaraner.

In Weimaraners some of the Behavioural signs include:

• Anxiety, which may appear as restlessness or other anxious behaviours.
• Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area when touched can cause whining or biting  /  mouthing. 
• Excessive drooling is another sign to watch for. It can indicate Bloat but may also result from general stomach discomfort or nausea. Dry heaving is also a possible sign.

 

Several of the Physical Signs of BLOAT are very noticeable including:

• Distended Abdomen usually appears on the left side, although it may not be visible in the early stages of bloat. This condition is often caused by gas, fluid buildup, or changes in bowel habits, which can make  one area seem more distended than others.
• Dry Heaving (also called retching) without vomiting any food. Sometimes a dog might spit out white foam when trying to vomit, which is usually mucus from the esophagus or stomach.
• Sudden anxiety, pacing, and an inability to get comfortable (for example you might notice your Weimaraner trying to lie down but repeatedly getting back up and pacing) can be signs of stress or discomfort. Another example would be, if your dog seems agitated or is fixated on licking, they could be communicating nervousness, stress, or fear. If you notice any of these signs regularly, consider consulting your veterinarian to rule out medical issues or discuss ways to reduce your dog's stress.
• Dilated Pupils can also be a sign of BLOAT, often indicating the dog is experiencing shock and is in critical condition and requires immediate veterinary emergency care. 
• Prayer Position refers to when a dog lowers its front legs and chest to ground while keeping its hindquarters raised, resembling a bowing posture. This happens due to discomfort and inability to get comfortable.
• Pale or White Gums is not normal for dogs. This is also called pallor, which means loss of colour. There are many conditions that can cause pale gums, and some can be quite serious or even fatal if left untreated.

If your dog has pale or white gums, collapses, seems weak or lethargic, breathes irregularly, retches, or has a swollen belly, these are all signs of possible BLOAT. Please contact your emergency veterinarian hospital.

How to Check your Dog for Pale Gums (Pallor) and the signs of BLOAT

Normal dog gums should be a powder pink colour, like the colour of cooked shrimp. Some dogs naturally have dark or black gums, but they are usually speckled with pink areas that you can check for changes in colour.

Gently lift your dog's upper lip and press your finger on your dog's gums just above the teeth for a few seconds. Remove your finger and observe the area. A healthy response is for the area to briefly appear pale and then quickly return to its normal pink colour. If the area stays white or pale and does not return to pink it could be indicating a serious health issue.

Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs that requires immediate veterinary attention. This gum test helps check for poor blood circulation, which can be a sign of BLOAT.

Do this once or twice a month to check your dog's gum colour. It is best to do this when your dog is calm, quiet, and resting. If you notice any changes in the colour of the gums, such as white, grey, blue or yellow, as mentioned earlier this can be a signal of underlying health issues, including bloat, so act immediately and contact your veterinary clinic.

How Veterinarians Diagnose BLOAT

A veterinarian may suspect BLOAT (GDV) by simply noticing symptoms such as restlessness, a swollen abdomen, excessive drooling, or unsuccessful attempts to vomit, but they usually perform tests such as abdominal X-rays, blood tests and physical examinations to confirm their diagnosis.

Medical Treatment of BLOAT

If caught in time, Bloat can be stabilized. However, treatment of Bloat in dogs depends on the severity. Severity is determined by how quickly the condition is recognized, the extent of stomach distension, and whether there are complications such as shock or tissue damage. Treatment may include emergency surgery, tacking stomach to body wall (gastropexy), decompression of the stomach, and supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medications.

A dog with BLOAT (GDV) requires intense care during this time, this typically includes:

• IV Fluids with electrolytes should be administered aggressively in cases of Bloat improve circulation to vital organs.
• Trocharization is a medical procedure in which a large needle or catheter (called a trocar) is inserted into the stomach to release trapped gas. This helps relieve pressure and restore blood flow to the affected area to prevent further complications.
• Pain Medications are used to manage discomfort and shock.
• Antibiotics help prevent or treat infections that may result from tissue necrosis due to loss of circulation. When tissue losses its blood supply and becomes necrotic (dead tissue), it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of infection.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor for any heart abnormalities.
• Surgery, which is performed as soon as the dog is stable. Depending on the severity of bloat, a vet may have to untwist the dog's stomach and / or spleen. They may also remove any part of the stomach wall that has died due to loss of blood flow. The vet will also stitch or tack the stomach to the body wall in a procedure called a gastropexy, where the stomach is surgically attached to the body wall to prevent it from twisting again.

Prevention of BLOAT in Dogs

To help lower the risk of your dog developing bloat, consider taking these simple precautions:

• Never leave large bags of dog food, treat containers, or open bins of human snacks accessible to your dog to avoid overeating, which can lead to health problems such as BLOAT (GDV).
• There is ongoing debates about whether raised or non-raised bowls aid digestion or reduce strain on the neck, while others prefer traditional bowls to help prevent certain health issues. A consultation with your veterinarian would be advised so you can make the right choice for your Weimaraner.
• Have your dog wait at least one hour after a meal or drinking a large amount of water for any exercise or playtime. This helps prevent serious issues like BLOAT (GDV) or stomach upset.
• If you can, feed your dog three to four smaller meals a day, rather than one or two large meals. This helps prevent digestive upset and or possible BLOAT.
• Don't allow your dog to gorge on food or water. Eating or drinking too quickly can cause air to build up in their stomach, increasing the risk of BLOAT in breeds like Weimaraners. If your Weimaraner eats too quickly, you may want to purchase a slow feeder to reduce the chance of BLOAT happening.
• Consult with your veterinarian to determine if preventative surgery (such as gastropexy) is appropriate for your dog, especially if they belong to a breed like Weimaraners that are at a higher risk of BLOAT. This procedure can often be performed during your dog's spay or neuter surgery.
• If purchasing or adopting a pup or dog from a breeder, be sure to ask if there is any family history of BLOAT or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), as these conditions can be hereditary and may increase your dog's risk.

BLOAT (GDV) in Weimaraners FAQs:

Can dogs survive BLOAT? 

Yes. While BLOAT (GDV) are medical emergencies and potentially life threatening for dogs, with fast medical intervention, affected dogs can make a complete recovery.

It's important to get your dog emergency veterinary care if they are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, pale gums, retching, or pacing-minutes can be the difference between a good and bad prognosis. Delaying care could result in irreversible harm or even loss of life.

What foods cause BLOAT in dogs?

No specific foods cause bloat in dogs, but some research shows that dry foods that list oils or fats among the first four ingredients may predispose dogs to BLOAT (GDV). Also, large amounts of food or water or exercising after a large meal are also significant concerns.

Consuming a large meal or drinking excessive water can cause the stomach to expand rapidly, increasing the risk of BLOAT (GDV), especially if the dog is active immediately afterward. To reduce the risk of BLOAT (GDV), feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour after eating. You can also use a slow feeder to help your dog eat more slowly.

In conclusion, if you notice any signs of BLOAT (gastric dilatation-volvulus, GDV), contact your veterinarian or emergency animal clinic immediately-do not wait. Knowing these signs saved my girl, Curri to live a long happy and healthy life .

Check the reference diagrams below for helpful signs of BLOAT:

Diagram 01

Diagram 02

Christine Brown, Director of Digital Media, OWRAssist

I have worked and lived with Weimaraners all my life, from showing, training, fostering and volunteering in any way I can with rescues. I currently share my studio space with my two rescued Weimaraners, and when not working, I love hiking with my fur babies and donating my talent to great causes, like OWRAssist.