After the recent loss of Marcel, regular reports of stomach
bloat and the lack of widespread knowledge of this problem, it seemed important to make information available.
BLOAT IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF CANINE DEATH AFTER
CANCER.
Here are eight web sites that explain the
problem. Much material is repeated, but it's better to err on excess. It is recommended that you read at least
the first four and talk with your vet the next time you visit or sooner if you believe your dog is at higher risk.
Risk factors are listed clearly in Site 1 which also includes consideration
of premptive prophylactic surgery for high-risk dogs. It advises using "wet" food for such dogs and that,
if you use dry food, it contain a calcium-rich meat meal (such as meat/lamb meal, fish meal, chicken
by-product meal, meat meal, or bone meal) listed in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list.
The cause of bloat isnt clear, but it may have to do with dogs gulping
air when they eat too fast or get excited.
Two
things that appear in most of these sites are: the dangers of using highly elevated water bowls and the increased susceptibility
of large-chested dogs.
The
breeds that are more prone to getting bloat are the Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, Old English Sheepdog,
Great Pyrenees, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles and other deep-chested breeds and mixes.
