Articles about American Pit Bull Terrier
BLOAT (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) in dogs
Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately! Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Notify your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case. Better to be safe than sorry! The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. Be prepared! Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated. - If your regular vet doesn't have 24-hour emergency service, know which nearby vet you would use. Keep the phone number handy. - Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas. If you can reduce or slow the gas, you've probably bought yourself a little more time to get to a vet if your dog is bloating. This information is not intended to replace advice or guidance from veterinarians or other pet care professionals. It is simply being shared as an aid to assist you with your own research on this very serious problem.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right. - Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom" - Doesn't act like usual self Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs - Significant anxiety and restlessness One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical - "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance This seems to occur fairly frequently - Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum) Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent - Pale or off-color gums Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages - Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy - Coughing...to continue reading this article please click on here...
