Dog bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus, is a digestive disorder that causes a lot of fatalities in dogs. This is the second most common cause of deaths in dogs after cancer. Dog bloat is extremely dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.
To get it treated, it is important to make sure that you observe and identify all the dog bloat symptoms.
Most of the times, the symptoms of dog bloat are caused due to air swallowed while eating. Dogs that eat very quickly tend to swallow more air and are more prone to developing dog bloat.
The signs of dog bloat are often also followed with twisting of the stomach, which is almost always fatal for dogs. The stomach may twist completely, turning a complete 360 degrees angle and disrupting the daily functioning of the gastrointestinal system of the dog. As the stomach twists, it traps air and the dog may have a bloated appearance. Water and food are also trapped inside the stomach, preventing the dog from emptying the bowels and releasing the gas.
The bloat could also affect the intestines and the duodenum of the dog. Since all these organs are very close to the stomach, the entire gastrointestinal tract may be in jeopardy due to the bloat. It can also cause the dog’s blood pressure to drop significantly, therefore causing damage to other organs. If not treated immediately, the dog may go into coma and may also die eventually.
Some of the most common dog bloat symptoms include dry heaving and vomiting. The dog may attempt to vomit every few minutes but is not able to release anything except some mucous. This can make the dog visibly uncomfortable and distressed. The dog may also try to defecate, but is unable to empty its bowels because of the twisted stomach. You may also see some sudden changes in the dog’s behavior. The dog may lie around more than usual and avoid participating in daily activities and play.
The dog may also show signs of anxiety and depression. It may avoid eating and may also show heavy salivating. There may be visible abdominal swelling, especially immediately after a meal. The gums begin to lose their color and the membranes are a little colder. There is also significant abdominal pain that may cause the dog to moan and show signs of discomfort and pain. The dog may have bouts of coughing and gagging and may also resort to incessant pacing and whining.
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