Have you noticed that your Great Dog is restless?If you see a change in behavior along with swelling of his abdomen, he may have bloat, also known as gastric torsion, twisted stomach, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.Bloat can be life threatening.Large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and other large chested dogs have more space in their abdomens because of this.The most common breed to get bloat is the Great Danes and 42% of them do.Your dog's stomach can swell or become twisted during several stages.Get immediate veterinary help if you notice the symptoms of bloat.It will give your dog the best chance of survival.
Step 1: Look for swelling.
If your dog makes a tympanic, drum-like sound when you flick it, it may cause a swollen stomach.The stomach is full of gas.The most obvious symptom of bloat is swelling, but it can be hard to spot in Great Danes because of their large size.If you're not sure if your Great Danes has a swollen stomach, talk to a vet instead of waiting for symptoms to improve.The chances of survival can be increased by early treatment of bloat.Increasing stomach pressure may lead to: Swelling Closing of the stomach so that it becomes sealed full of air
Step 2: Look at your dog's mouth.
Lift up your dog's lips and look at his teeth.If you press the gums and release your finger, they should be a pink color.If you notice pale or ashen gums or the gums remain blanched white after you press them, your dog may have bloat.If your dog's teeth are red, blue, or white, get them checked out.
Step 3: Paying attention to breathing and pulse is important.
If your dog is breathing heavy and rapid, he may have bloat.It could be that your dog is panting instead of breathing.Your Great Dog's pulse will be rapid if he has bloat.A Great Danes heart rate is around one beat per second.He should rest for at least two to three seconds.
Step 4: Don't forget to watch for drooling.
Your Great Dog may have a lot of saliva in his mouth.This happens when the stomach is closed.The Great Danes give up eating and drinking.Your dog may be dry.If your dog is dry, contact a vet immediately.This is a sign of bloat.
Step 5: Consider your dog's body type.
There is a high risk of bloat for dogs that are deep chested.Great Danes have the highest risk of suffering from bloat.A Great Danes stomach is suspended in two places in the abdomen.The stomach can become unstable if it is full of food and gas.The German Shepherds, Red Setters, and St. Bernards are some of the breeds that are at high risk for bloat.
Step 6: Your dog's behavior should be monitored.
Your Great Dog may be uncomfortable and unable to settle.He may look anxious when he looks at his flanks, as air fills his stomach.Your dog may become distressed as the bloat increases.He may complain about his pain.He might collapse if his circulation system fails.Bloat is associated with eating a meal.Your Great Dog may become restless after eating.
Step 7: Contact a doctor.
Get veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has a problem.Call or go to the vet to discuss your dog's symptoms.If you see signs of bloat, it's a good idea to get medical attention as soon as possible.Early treatment for dogs with bloat is important.
Step 8: Get a checkup.
The vet will look for signs of gas build up and shock in your dog.If bloat is suspected, a large bore catheter could be inserted into the stomach.The pressure will be removed.If foul smelling gas comes out through the catheter, you might have bloat.
Step 9: Get more testing.
A diagnosis of bloat can be confirmed with additional testing.While an x-ray is being taken of the front of your Great Dog's abdomen, he will lay on his side.If the x-ray shows a stomach with air and soft tissue running across it, the vet may confirm it.The doctor may want to look at the location of the spleen.It is more likely that the vet will want to relieve stomach pressure and perform corrective surgery.