First Aid with Bloat -
Dr. Jeff Schuett - from Pewaukee, WI Graduate 1975 was inspired to speak to our group by Randy Spangler. Randy wanted to know how to better prevent Bloat in our canine athletes.
What happens when a dog BLOATS?
The stomach becomes dilated with gas then it twists. The twisting can vary in severity. This compromises the circulation surrounding soft tissue and major organ such as the stomach and spleen.
Signs & Symptoms of Bloat occurring:
The dog will present with a non-productive retching
dogs are pacing agitated, but not always
uncontrollable salvation
After an hour or two have passes the stomach will become noticeably distended.
It seems to occur more at night than the day
Research reveals acute "Bloat"episodes - were brought on by stress
Dog's have a 30% fatality from Bloat which is also referred to as GDV
Gastropesky - elective surgery or stomach tac. This procedure is not 100% cure but it is currently the best prevention to the disease we have.
Predisposed dogs are:
Under weight
Males
Rapid Eater
Fear/Anxiety
Typically eat once a day
Deep Chested Dogs
Or Dogs with a family history of BLOAT
The Canine Health Foundation - Current Research - Dr. Harkey's study of Great Danes the most common breed to BLOAT - believes the cause of "Bloat" to be related to the gut bacteria in the canine.
Decreasing factors were found to be:
Happy dogs
Table scrapes mixed with dry food
Eating multiple meals
Fast action is important for survival. The dog must get to the vet clinic alive.
know where your specialty vet facilities are, especially when you travel
Demonstrated a technique to relive gas in the stomach to increase time to get the dog to the vet before organs begin to compromised.
FIRST AID
Get moving the instant you suspect "Bloat"!!! Time is not on your side. The dog must get to the vet asap.
Stomach Tube (not recommended ) high risk procedure due to rupture
Percutaneous trocharization - large bore needle placed into the stomach to immediately relive the gas risk of the procedure is perforating an major organ. Thump the dogs stomach on both sides typically the left side will "Ping" - trying to locate the most hollow sounding area. Decompression of the stomach occurs quickly. Once decompression occurs, the needle should be removed to transport the dog to the vet clinic.
A video demonstrating of a Percutaneous Trocharization with a 14 gauge by 2in long needle was played
Q: should the dog be lying down or standing up to perform needle decompression A: preferably laying on their side with the most distended side up.
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