Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV): Bloat, Twisted Stomach, Gastric Torsion
Affected Animals: Dogs of any breed. However, large breeds built with deep chests and narrow abdomens, such as the Great Dane, Mastiff, Irish setter, golden and Labrador retriever, and the Irish wolfhound, are more prone to getting bloat. Smaller breeds such as the dachshund, Lhasa Apso, and poodle may also develop the illness.
Information and Overview:
Any dog that shows signs of bloat, a serious and potentially fatal illness, should receive emergency veterinary medical care immediately. Clinically known as gastric dilation, bloat occurs when a dog's stomach becomes so swollen with gas that it is unable to relieve the pressure. As the stomach becomes distended, it often rotates on its axis. This volvulus, or twisting, cuts off blood flow to the stomach and often the spleen as well, and is thus clinically known as gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV. A dog with GDV can experience a number of potentially fatal complications, including septic shock, a perforated stomach, massive blood loss, and disruption of the blood clotting mechanisms. The exact cause of bloat is unknown. Large breeds of dogs built with big chests and narrow abdomens are more commonly affected. Excitable dogs, as well, are at risk since the stomach can develop bloat by filling with air during high-energy type activities such as barking, panting, excitement, and swallowing air while exercising.
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