Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is also known as "bloat," "stomach torsion," or "twisted stomach." Bloat is an extremely serious condition, and should be considered a life-threatening emergency when it occurs. There are no home remedies for bloat, therefore dog owners must contact their veterinarians immediately if they suspect that their dog has bloat. Dogs can die of bloat within several hours. Even with treatment, as many as 25-33% of dogs with GDV die.

The gastric dilatation is one part of the condition and the volvulus ortorsion is the second part. In bloat (dilatation), due to a number of different and sometimes unknown reasons, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off its blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal's condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly.

Not all dogs that have a gas buildup and resultant dilatation develop the more serious and life threatening volvulus. However, almost all dogs that have a volvulus develop it as a result of a dilatation.

Bloat is a very serious and life threatening condition. Understanding the signs, prevention, and need for prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of mortality if your dog develops this problem.

What dogs are more susceptible?

Breed

There is a definite link between the likelihood of occurrence of GDV and the breed and build of the dog. GDV is much more likely to occur in large breeds with deep, narrow chests. The problem can occur in small dogs, but only rarely. The University of Purdue conducted a study of hundreds of dogs that had developed GDV, and they calculated a ratio of likelihood of a particular breed developing the problem as compared to a mixed breed dog. For example, using the GDV risk ratio, a Great Dane is 41.4 times more likely to develop GDV than a mixed breed dog.

Breed	GDV Risk Ratio	Risk Rank
Great Dane	41.4	1
Saint Bernard	21.8	2
Weimaraner	19.3	3
Irish Setter	14.2	4
Gordon Setter	12.3	5
Standard Poodle	8.8	6
Basset Hound	5.9	7
Doberman Pinscher	5.5	8
Old English Sheepdog	4.8	9
German Shorthaired Pointer	4.6	10
Newfoundland	4.4	11
German Shepherd	4.2	12
Airedale Terrier	4.1	13
Alaskan Malamute	4.1	14
Chesapeake Bay Retriever	3.7	15
Boxer	3.7	16
Collie	2.8	17
Labrador Retriever	2	18
English Springer Spaniel	2	19
Samoyed	1.6	20
Dachshund	1.6	21
Golden Retriever	1.2	22
Rottweiler	1.1	23
Mixed	1.0	24
Miniature Poodle	0.3	25

Genetics

In addition to breed predilection, there appears to be a genetic link to this disease. The incidence is closely correlated to the depth and width of the dog's chest. Several different genes from the parents determine these traits. If both parents have particularly deep and narrow chests, then it is highly likely that their offspring will have deep and narrow chests and the resulting problems that may go with it. This is why in particular breeds we see a higher incidence in certain lines, most likely because of that line's particular chest conformation.

Age

Dogs over 7 years of age are more than twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as those who are 2-4 years of age.

Gender

Male dogs are twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as females. Neutering does not appear to have an effect on the risk of bloat.

Eating habits

Dogs fed once a day are twice as likely to develop GDV as those fed twice a day. It appears that dogs who eat rapidly or exercise soon after a meal may also be at increased risk.

Temperament

Dogs that tend to be more nervous, anxious, or fearful appear to be at an increased risk of developing bloat.

What causes gastric dilatation and volvulus?

There is not one particular activity that leads to the development of GDV. It appears that it occurs as a combination of events. Studies of the stomach gas that occurs in dilatation have shown that it is similar to the composition of normal room air suggesting that the dilatation occurs as a result of swallowing air. All dogs, and people for that matter, swallow air, but normally we eructate (burp) and release this air and it is not a problem. For some reason that scientists have not yet determined, these dogs that develop bloat do not release this swallowed gas. There are currently several studies looking into what happens physiologically in these dogs that develop GDV.

What are the signs?

The most obvious signs are abdominal distention (swollen belly) and nonproductive vomiting (animal appears to be vomiting, but nothing comes up) and retching. Other signs include restlessness, abdominal pain, and rapid shallow breathing. Profuse salivation may indicate severe pain. If the dog's condition continues to deteriorate, especially if volvulus has occurred, the dog may go into shock and become pale, have a weak pulse, a rapid heart rate, and eventually collapse. A dog with gastric dilatation without volvulus can show all of these signs, but the more severe signs are likely to occur in dogs with both dilatation and volvulus.

How is gastric dilatation and volvulus treated?

Despite adopting all of the recommendations listed below, a dog may still develop GDV. Because of the genetic link involved with this disease, prospective pet owners should question if there is a history of GDV in the lineage of any puppy that is from a breed listed as high risk. In addition, the following recommendations should be followed:

• Owners of susceptible breeds should be aware of the early signs of bloat and contact their veteriarian as soon as possible if GDV is suspected.
• Owners of susceptible breeds should develop a good working relationship with a local veterinarian in case emergency care is needed.
• Large dogs should be fed two or three times daily, rather than once a day.
• Water should be available at all times, but should be limited immediately after feeding.
• Vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress should be avoided one hour before and two hours after meals.
• Diet changes should be made gradually over a period of three to five days.
• Susceptible dogs should be fed individually and, if possible in a quiet location.
• Some studies suggest that dogs who are susceptible to bloat should not be fed with elevated feeders; other studies have not found this to be true. It is recommended, however, that dogs at increased risk be fed at floor level.
• Some studies have associated food particle size, fat content, moistening of foods containing citric acid, and other factors with bloat. At this time, no cause-and-result relationships between these factors and bloat have been verified.
• Dogs that have survived bloat are at an increased risk for future episodes; therefore prophylaxis in the form of preventive surgery or medical management should be discussed with the veterinarian.

Summary

Bloat is a life threatening condition that most commonly affects large-breed, deep-chested dogs over two years of age. Owners of susceptible breeds should be knowledgeable about the signs of the disease, since early and prompt treatment can greatly improve the outcome. By following the preventive measures recommended, pet owners can further reduce the likelihood of their pet developing this devastating condition.

References and Further Reading

Beck, JJ; Staatz, AJ; Pelsue, DH; Kudnig, ST; MacPhail, CM; Seim HB; and Monnet, E. Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2006;229(12):1934-1939.Ellison, GW. Gastric dilatation volvulus: An update. Presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas NV, 2004.Glickman, LT; Glickman, NW; Shellenburg, DB; et al. Multiple risk factors for the GDV syndrome in dogs: A paractitioner/owner case control study. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 1997, 33: 197-204.Monnett, E. Gastric dilatation volvulus. Presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas NV, 2002.Simpson, KW. Diseases of the stomach. In Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 2005: 1319-1321.

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Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Dr. Holly Nash received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Master's Degree in epidemiology (the study of the transmission, distribution, and control of disease) from the University of Wisconsin. She has worked in a primarily dairy practice, as a veterinary epidemiologist, and most recently as a companion animal veterinarian.

Dr. Nash has always been interested in the human-animal bond and the education of animal owners, and finds being Editor of PetEducation.com a perfect match. She enjoys, and has had experience, working with many different species of animals, and is a member of the American and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Associations, the Society of Aquatic Veterinary Medicine, the Association of Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians, and the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

Dr. Nash enjoys living in the rural Northwoods with her husband Bob, and their dog named Kip, and cat, Eddie.

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"Fleas on Board" is an excerpt from the book "Coming of Age in California" by Gerald Haslam (Walnut Creek, CA: Devil Mountain Books, 2000 [second edition]).

A San Francisco Chronicle readers' poll in 2000 named the book one of the 100 most important non-fiction books of the 20th century from the West.

Gerald kindly sent me the below story, that I couldn't resist publishing here. Feel free to leave your comments below. It's a heartwarming story …

Fleas on Board

I would not see my father weep again for nearly 50 years, so that day in 1941 when tears streamed down his face remains vivid. Mitzi, a deaf Boston Bull Terrier whom he adored, had died, but I just couldn't understand how my father could cry; he was, after all, a grown-up…a daddy.

Mitzi had been Pop's buddy, trained to do tricks when he gestured, yet untrained enough to sprint in circles and explode like a white bottle rocket when he returned from work each day. He would snuggle her, roughhouse a bit, talk to her in tones I rarely heard. Mom loved her, too, even allowing Mitzi to nap on the living-room couch, and I played with her daily. Then suddenly she was gone from our lives.

We would have other dogs as I grew up…most memorably Suki, a red Cocker Spaniel who was my companion from early in my grade-school years until she died while I was overseas in the Army. But my father never again bonded that deeply with a pet.

As I write this I'm 62-years-old and my own special pal, Rook, a small black Labrador Retriever whose snout and feet have long since turned white, my hiking and retrieving buddy for nearly 15 years, lies dying on her bed. Her brown eyes watch me, and when I rise she tries to join me, but her body no long works. A look merging bafflement and sadness crossed that expressive face, and I pet her, comfort her, croon to her, then she settles.

Rookers, as we often called her, has always loved and been loved by the entire family, but I have been her focus, so this time it is I who am fighting tears. In fact, two and a half wonderful pooches have livened our family's life. The half doesn't indicate a truncated pooch, but a truncated relationship: One joined us when she was eight years old and remained part of our family until her death nearly a decade later. The others joined us as puppies, and lived their entire lives–each roughly fifteen years–as part of our gang…the best part in many ways… behavior, loyalty, temperament. Principally, though, they taught us by offering uncritical love…even when it wasn't much deserved.

Cloudy, our hippie dog, was the first of those three pals. On a morning in the late 1960s, a pair of friendly flower children were sitting on the sidewalk next to a cardboard box of squirming puppies in front of the now-defunct Marin Co-Op. Our children put on the brakes and explained that cats were girls and dogs were boys, and we needed a boy. We had just obtained a kitten–labeled "Sunshine" by the kids–so Jan and I said "Why not?" How could we have argued with that logic?

I'm sure glad we didn't, because Cloudy was a perfect fit, like us a mongrel–surely part Airedale, part Shepherd, probably part Briard and, who knows, maybe part Chinese or Spanish or Irish, too. Given his appearance, anything was possible. A neighbor, after viewing Cloud's vigorously shaggy exterior, once asked, "Exactly what breed is that dog?"

"You name it," I replied, "and he's probably kin to it."

Whatever his various ingredients, they were strong: as a youngster, he once dashed into the street and was hit by a car. Cloudy leapt up and he sprinted home, then collapsed of shock. The veterinarian later said, "That's one tough dog. I think the car suffered more damage than he did." He was up and about the next day, limping a bit, and we never had to warn him away from the street again; he was a smart guy.

At slightly under 100 lbs., he was also the neighborhood's alpha male, a force indeed, but remarkably tolerant with our kids. They dressed him, rode him, wrestled him, fed him vegetables they didn't want to eat, and on occasion caused him to yelp in pain, yet he never so much as growled at one of them, or so they have told us. He was a gem, who basically trained himself.

Our older two–six and seven at the time–used him to play a variation of chicken: they would lie on the floor and allow Cloudy to lick faces until one or the other gave in and covered their mug; we always wondered why their faces were clean while the rest of them wasn't. About that time, those yellow "Baby on Board" signs were in vogue, and one or another of our tadpoles drew a crude imitation for Cloudy; it said "Fleas on Board," and it was accurate.

If other dogs came on board, though, Cloud' was aggressive and decisive and he retired undefeated, as far as I know, when a stroke finally felled him at 15. No, that's not correct: although apparently unafraid of bears, he nevertheless met his match up at Tuolumne Meadows one summer when a carpenter ant latched onto his nose; for a change we rescued him. Anyway, we buried our old buddy under a small volunteer oak in our side yard; the next year it tripled its size, as though his powerful genes had taken asserted themselves.

During the years of Cloudy's ascendancy, various of our kids worked as weekend kennel cleaners at Brandner's Veterinary Hospital in Petaluma. There they met Queenie, a Collie-Husky mix who had been rescued from the local dog pound to serve as the clinic's blood donor. Shortly after Cloud's death, the kids launched a free-Queenie campaign. We knew and like her, so Jan and I agreed to invite her into our family…except that the vet' and his staff were attached to the sweet-tempered pooch, so they resisted. After negotiations, including a promise that she'd return for regular social visits, we were granted custody, and we understood that we were in a sense on probation as far as the clinic's employees were concerned.

Queenie had lived there for nearly seven years and would live nearly another ten years with us–a long time for a large dog, but she was so mellow that her engine didn't burn out early. She was also a genuine beauty, who sashayed her hips when she strolled, and who seemed to smile much of the time. She loved to walk, but running wasn't in her repertoire. She also savored attention and received plenty. When we later brought a black bundle named Rook home, barely old enough to be weaned, it took only a few whimpers and nuzzles from the puppy to ignite the Queen's maternal instinct. That night they curled up together, Rook sleeping on Queenie's generous tail, and they would continue to sleep like that until Queenie died.

Rookers was a small, swift Lab' at 65 pounds, and an acrobat…frisbee aerialist and tennis-ball demon; I was continually astounded by her ability to change position mid-air when drafts changed a frisbee's direction. She also had both the intelligence and temperament to become a kind of sixth child in a family she entered just as the five kids were growing up and moving away. She wasn't a barker–if we ever heard her voice we knew something serious was up–but she did communicate well indeed with eyes, body, tail.

In 1987, we relocated to new house in rural Penngrove, and our neighbor there owned an aggressive male Sharpei that was rarely leashed. One day he trotted onto our yard and, without any visible provocation, attacked the aging Queenie. That was a mistake. Rook, whom we had never seen even hint at fighting, tore into him so vigorously that the Chinese fighting dog sprinted home bloody. We were stunned; it was a side of her we'd never even imagined.

Eleven years later, when she was crippled with arthritis, our dog was attacked by a pit bull-mix and a Ridgeback while I was walking her. Rook instinctively dropped flat, protecting her throat and belly. My initial (not-too-smart) response was to start punching. A few moments into the battle, I realized how futile my actions were, so I grabbed the pit's collar and began choking it, lifting it from the ground–that attacker immediately lost interest in Rook. Meanwhile I kicked at the Ridgeback until the gasping pit escaped, then I managed to choke the Ridgeback, but the pit recovered and once more assaulted my dog.

Fortunately, a neighbor heard the ruckus and sprinted to my aid and the attack was finally aborted. Rook suffered only puncture wounds in the loose skin of her neck, but there was no doubt in my mind that the two attackers would have killed her had they been able. And I'd have killed them.

A year or so later, she began stiffening and limping when we walked. Arthritis medication helped, and a tossed tennis ball or a flung frisbee would still elicit a chase, albeit in slow motion. Like most Lab's, she was a wonderful athlete, so when she began stumbling over curbs, tripping over seemingly invisible impediments, I knew problems were deepening. Soon Jan or I was lifting her so she could stand, then carrying her down the deck steps so she could relieve herself. During that decline, she never ceased to wag her tail, to communicate with those eyes, to enjoy being in the midst of the family. Her bed was in the family room, where she became the center of attention, a beloved elder.

A couple of weeks ago, Jan and I traveled to Oregon; when we returned, Rookers' head came up and she weakly wagged that ebony tail. Seeing her in such a diminished condition swooped our hearts. We both snuggled her, then I attached the leash to her harness and gently helped her to her feet. She managed to stand, and we wobbled down part of our old route–the last walk we would ever take together. I couldn't help recalling that only a couple of years before I had been the wobbly one. Rehabilitating from surgery and radiation, I had begun by simply (and quite slowly) strolling with her up and down the block, then farther and farther, miles and miles over the countryside–old black dog and old white man.

But as age and infirmities gripped her, I couldn't do anything help, and that fact ground into me. Our veterinarian discussed "putting her down" with me, but I couldn't bring myself to do that either–it would be like euthanising one of my children. We brought an I.V. unit home and hydrated her that way; we hand-fed her; we carried her into the yard to potty. Always, those eyes and that tail let us know she was with us. But when she could no longer eat or even raise her head, I put my own distress away and arranged to take her to the clinic to do what I so dreaded. As always those trusting eyes were on me as I sadly petted her good night and turned in.

I awoke after one of my worst nights, a knot in my belly, only to learn that Rook had done me one last favor: she lay motionless on her bed, her chestnut eyes open but no longer able to following me, and I was gulfed by grief. Should I have had her put down two weeks previously? Probably, but I didn't…I couldn't. Our house and our hearts suddenly felt so much emptier, but we know we did our flawed best for her; that's all we could do.

We feel incomplete now because we felt so complete when she shared our lives. Rook loved us without reservation, even when reservation would have been appropriate; fortunately, Jan and I had matured enough to love her back the same way. Rookers and our other dogs have taught us many other lessons…the acceptance of death's inevitability, for instance, as well as the healing power of gratitude for having known them.

They have also allowed me to understand why, all those years ago, I saw my tough father weep.

Gerald Haslam's website, www.geraldhaslam.com, lists sources to purchase all his books.

Tags: bond between dog and man, dog and man, dog stories, dog story, man and dog, man-039s best friend

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Not all organic dog arthritis supplements are the same, even if they have similar ingredients. If you're a regular reader of HealthierDogs.com you will know that I only recommend natural products that have a good track record in terms of actually doing what they say they do.

Arthro-IonX™ is one of these products. It assists in dog joint pain, including hip dysplasia, canine arthritis and other types of dog joint pain.

It comes in a tasteless liquid bio-available state, so it bypasses your dog's digestive system and enters his bloodstream within minutes. This allows your dog's body to most effectively absorb the fortified nutrients, which assures he receives the best health possible from Arthro-IonX™. This means nothing goes to waste. Your dog will get the most out of Arthro-IonX™, and you'll get the most benefit for your money.

Most importantly, this means you won't need to spend time attempting to make your dog swallow a pill he doesn't want. If your dog is anything like my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jet, this will be good new to you. (Jet is a nightmare at taking pills!) Simply put the Arthro-IonX™ in your dog's water, food, or even directly into his mouth and your dog will never know it's there, because as I mentioned, it's completely tasteless. Your dog will start to feel more energetic quite quickly – usually within one to two weeks or even less.

It's frustrating to pay good money for a product, only to remain unsatisfied. Well, the makers of Arthro-IonX™ offer a guarantee that Arthro-IonX™ will work on the cellular level to help your dog in his recovery.

So what exactly does this product do?

Well, Arthro-IonX™:

1. Supports increased cellular permeability.

This allows the nutrients your dog needs to be easily absorbed and used by his cells. What does this mean for your dog? Better nutrition and better overall health. For you, this means a better value for the money you spend on your dog's food, as each nutrient will be more effectively absorbed and used in your dog's body.

2. Promotes the formation of RNA and DNA.

This helps your dog's cells regenerate more effectively, contributing to their genetic stability and health. Cell regeneration is essential for your dog's healing process.

With Arthro-IonX™, your dog will feel healthy enough to face those insurmountable odds.

3. Increases enzymatic activity.

By stimulating the natural enzymes in your dog's body, cellular health can be vastly enhanced.

4. Detoxifies cells.

Your dog's everyday exposure to toxins can cause a buildup of heavy metals, chemicals, poisons, and other substances in your dog's cells. Our base formula, which is present in all our products, absorbs and neutralizes these toxins.
Provides the strongest organic electrolyte available.

The oligotherapeutic complex in Arthro-IonX™ provides your dog with a highly effective natural electrolyte that supports cellular resistance to injury, illness, exertion, and malnourishment. This supports your dog's recovery, healing, and health, restoring your pet's balance.

Oligotherapy revolves around the idea that your mental, physical, and emotional health are intertwined. oligotherapeutic products undergo several procedures to become imprinted with vibrational energy which has been shown to support overall healthy living. It's a relatively new science that is speedily gaining popularity, so don't dismiss it as hocus pocus, because it really does work.

5. Promotes increased oxygen.

Arthro-IonX™ provides vital oxygen to your dog's cells and promotes increased oxygen consumption of tissues. Natural polyphenols are present to act as catalysts for respiration. This will promote your dog's overall health and well-being.

So what are you waiting for? If your dog has joint or muscle pain, hip dysplasia, reduced mobility, reduced flexibility or even reduced energy, Arthro-IonX™ may help.

Order yours here: Arthro-Ionx™ Healthy Joint Support for Dogs – Click Here!

Some vets advocate aspirin for dog arthritis and other joint-related conditions – specifically a canine formulated type of pain relief and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) usually called Rimadyl or Carprofen.  Don't ever use aspirin for dog arthritis in any form.  Rimadyl has caused dog deaths and numerous serious complications.  Of course, you must always discuss all your concerns with your vet, but if it's possible to treat your dog by natural means that work, isn't that preferable to giving him drugs?

So if you're wanting to try the natural alternative, Arthro-IonX™ , click here.

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Pet owners only want the best for their dogs. Like human beings, our pets need to receive proper nutrition to grow healthy and well-rounded. It is important to take great care in picking the right pet food for our canine friends. The good news is that there is a wide array of food options for dogs. Pet owners are sure to find dog food to fit the diet requirements of any specific breed. At the same time, picking the best food option for your dog can be quite a task that may involve trial and error in many cases.

Various pet experts have their own opinions regarding pet food. What veterinarians prescribe may differ from the preferred choices of dog trainers, breeders, or groomers. Fact is, there is not one kind of dog food that fits all as each dog is unique and therefore, has unique nutrition needs. It is for the pet owner to choose which dog food is best for his pet. With enough research, pet owners can find out what each type of dog food best suits the needs of his dog.

Veterinarians, dog breeders, and other pet experts can help supply you with information on pet food. The Internet can also be a helpful source for needed information but be extra cautious as not everything on the Internet can be trusted. Basically, dog food comes in many forms – holistic or commercial, prescribed, generic, premium, or home-prepared. Consult experts and pet resources to know more about each one and find out which works best for you.

It also helps to go through the labels of commercial dog food when looking for information. Do not just check if the nutritional values of a certain kind meet the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It is better to select dog food that surpasses AAFCO's set requirements. Evaluate if a certain brand has too much chemical preservatives or fillers. The most highly recommended pet foods are those made of the best ingredients, human-grade if possible.

Another way to obtain information about dog food is by asking other people who might have extensive experience in dog nutrition. For instance, start with your veterinarian. You can also try getting the opinion of dog trainers, breeders, and groomers about their preferred dog food brands and recipes. Local pet stores can also help you in your quest.

Commercial or holistic dog food is perhaps among the most popular kind of pet food today. They are easy to prepare and they come in many forms to choose from. Holistic dog foods are natural and usually made with high-quality ingredients for better nutrition. They may be a bit more expensive but several dog owners attest to their benefits. Two of the most trusted brands for holistic dog food are Wellness Dog Food and Wysong Dog Food. The brands offer varieties like dry, canned, special allergy formulas, grain-free, and protein-rich. Both of them exceed AAFCO standards and use human-grade ingredients.

Pet food comes in many forms and types. Every pet owner should learn more about them to be able to pick one that best suits the needs of their pets. Useful information can be obtained for various pet experts like veterinarians, breeders, and trainers. Holistic or commercial dog foods like Wellness Dog Food and Wysong Dog Food are among the most widely used dog food type.

- Melinda Smith

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