Living with Bloat in Dogs How Long Can They Survive

Bloat in dogs is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.

If left untreated, bloat can cause the stomach to rupture within 1-2 hours, resulting in a mortality rate of up to 90%.

Dogs with bloat may exhibit symptoms such as restlessness, pacing, and drooling, which can progress rapidly.

The average survival time for a dog with untreated bloat is around 30-60 minutes.

Dogs with deep chests, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners, are more prone to bloat due to their narrow thoracic width accompanied by increased height.

Large breed dogs with deep chests are 5 to 8 times more likely to bloat than dogs with a low height to width ratio.

Breed examples include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs.

Research shows that dogs weighing over 100 pounds have approximately a 20% risk of bloat during their lifetime.

Suggestion: Breed Dogs

Some risk factors include eating very quickly, overeating, drinking a large quantity of water in a short period of time, raised food bowls, stress, exercising after eating, and genetic factors.

A table of risk factors follows:

Dogs with a fearful, anxious, or nervous temperament are more prone to bloat, as are dogs with a history of aggression toward people or other animals.

The exact cause of GDV is still unknown, but research suggests that it's more common in large, deep-chested male dogs.

Exercise after eating a large meal or drinking a lot of water may increase the risk of GDV, so it's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits.

Anxiety can also be a contributing factor, with studies showing that dogs that are relaxed and calm are at lower risk of developing GDV than those that are described as "hyper" or "fearful".

Illness that decreases intestinal motion can lead to stomach dilation and volvulus.

Here are some risk factors that may contribute to GDV:

Certain breeds, such as Great Danes, are 5 to 8 times more likely to bloat than dogs with a low height to width ratio.

Dogs of certain breeds are more prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that can occur without warning. German Shepherds, for instance, are among the breeds most at risk.

Large, deep-chested breeds are more likely to experience bloat, with Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners being among the top three breeds at risk.

Dogs weighing over 100 pounds have a 20% risk of bloat during their lifetime, making larger dogs a higher risk group.

Some specific breeds that are more prone to bloat include:

Male dogs are more likely to bloat than females, and older dogs (aged above 7 years old) are also at a higher risk.

Prevention and treatment are crucial when it comes to bloat in dogs. Gastropexy, a surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall, is the most effective means of prevention, especially in high-risk breeds.

Performing prophylactic gastropexy at the time of spay or neuter can significantly reduce the risk of bloat recurrence. Without gastropexy, the recurrence rate of bloat has been reported to be as high as 75%.

Careful attention to diet, feeding, and exercise regimens can also help prevent gastric dilatation. Feeding smaller meals more frequently, restricting activity after meal time, and avoiding strenuous exercise on a full stomach are all recommended strategies.

A gastropexy can help stop the stomach from twisting if bloat occurs 95% of the time, making it an excellent preventive measure. This procedure is often performed laparoscopically and can be done at the time of neuter or spay.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of bloat:

If your dog does experience bloat, prompt treatment is essential. The veterinary team will prioritize stabilizing your dog, administering oxygen and intravenous therapy, and performing gastric decompression to release fluid and air from the stomach.

Signs of bloat can be subtle, but it's essential to recognize them early on to increase the chances of survival. A dog with GDV may exhibit restlessness, pacing, and a swollen or distended abdomen.

The early signs of bloat can also include painful abdomen, an overall look of distress, and attempts to vomit with no success. Excessive drooling and panting or rapid breathing are also common indicators.

As the condition progresses, a dog with GDV may feel pain if you press on their belly, and their abdomen may become enlarged. Their gums may turn pale, and their heart rate may increase.

Here are some of the common signs of bloat in dogs:

If your dog is experiencing bloat, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further complications. Your veterinarian will prioritize stabilizing your dog, which may involve administering oxygen and intravenous therapy to increase blood circulation and correct electrolyte balances.

Gastric decompression will be the next step, where a tube is inserted to release fluid and air from the stomach, followed by a lavage to wash and empty the stomach. Surgery may also be necessary to verify the condition of other organs and rotate the stomach back to its normal position.

After surgery, your dog will need to rest and recover in a quiet atmosphere, avoiding exercise for two weeks. Your veterinarian may also instruct you to feed your dog in small portions 2 to 3 times a day, rather than a large meal, to prevent stomach upset.

With proper treatment and care, dogs can survive bloat, and the survival rate can be as high as 85% if caught early and treated promptly. However, some degree of gastric dilatation may remain with your pet even after surgery.

Your dog's recovery from bloat or stomach dilatation is crucial for a smooth and successful outcome. They will need a quiet and restful atmosphere at home for two weeks, so it's essential to create a calm environment.

No exercise will be allowed for two weeks to prevent any complications. This means no playing fetch, running around the yard, or even going for a leisurely walk.

You'll be instructed to feed your dog in small portions 2 to 3 times a day, rather than one large meal. This will help prevent any discomfort or digestive issues.

No elevated dishes will be used for feeding, as this can lead to more complications. You'll need to stick to regular feeding dishes to ensure your dog's digestive system can handle the food properly.

Some degree of gastric dilatation may remain with your pet, even after surgery. This is something to be aware of, but it's not a cause for concern in most cases.

You'll need to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully to ensure your dog's recovery goes smoothly. This may include monitoring their vital signs and watching for any signs of complications.

Suggestion: Can You Hurt a Dog's Feelings?

If you're struggling with treatment and recovery, it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself. The recovery process can be long and challenging, but it's worth it in the end.

Don't be afraid to ask for help - whether it's from a loved one, a therapist, or a support group. Research shows that seeking support can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make the process feel less overwhelming.

It's also crucial to prioritize self-care during this time. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and try to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine.