Bloat, Canine

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)

By Dr. Karen Burgess

Why do dogs develop GDV?
There is not one reason that dogs develop gastric torsion. It is more common in giant breed (60% of Great Danes and 20% of dogs over 100# will experience GDV during their lifetime), deep chested, older and stressed or excited dogs. There is also thought to be some correlation with eating a large meal and bloat occurring two to three hours later.

What problems does bloat and GDV (torsion) cause?
Both syndromes can affect blood supply to the stomach. With torsion this is typically more severe and in a very short time circulation can be diminished to a point where the stomach wall actually dies. Shock and severe pain are also common with GDV leading to potential circulatory collapse and death.

What are the signs of bloat and GDV (torsion)?
To the naked eye both will look very similar. A distended abdomen may be noted and typically the pet will repeatedly vomit or appear to dry heave. Sudden sever pain, lethargy, weakness, or collapse may also occur. Testing is necessary to accurately differentiate between the two syndromes. If symptoms are noted the pet should be taken immediately to a veterinarian.

What will the veterinarian do?
GDV is a life threatening emergency and immediate intervention is essential to improve chances of treatment success. Dogs suspected of being bloated will often be triaged and immediately taken to a treatment area for care and diagnostics. An intravenous catheter will be placed and large volumes of fluids administered to reverse signs of shock. Pain medication is often provided and evaluation of vital signs performed to evaluate for life threatening heart arrhythmias. The stomach may be trocarized (have a needle placed externally) or a stomach tube passed to allow immediate release of pressure. Radiographs are taken to help differentiate between the two conditions. Labwork is performed to determine the impact on the remainder of the body systems. A discussion will be had on treatment options.

How is GDV (torsion) treated?
Unfortunately the stomach does not often return to normal position even if pressure is released externally. There is also often secondary damage to the spleen or stomach wall. Surgery is the only definitive treatment for GDV. An abdominal exploratory is performed and internal organs examined.

The stomach is untwisted and evaluated. It is not uncommon for the spleen to also be affected and require removal. The stomach wall is then sutured to the body wall (gastropexy) thereby preventing future episodes. While the pet may still experience bloat, torsion is unlikely. Without a gastropexy nearly all dogs that experience GDV will have another episode.

What is the prognosis?
This depends a great deal on many factors. There are several expected complications associated with GDV and mortality rates in uncomplicated cases can be as high as 20%.

How can GDV be prevented?
Prophylactic gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the body wall thereby preventing torsion) is often recommended at the time of spay or neuter in breeds considered at risk.

Biking With Your Dog

• General health– While a great way to exercise, biking can also be dangerous if a pet is not in good health. A clean bill of health, no underlying orthopedic or respiratory issues, and normal to lean body weight are all prerequisites.
• Size– The accelerated rate of biking is not conducive for little legs, dogs under 20# should stick to trailer riding behind bikes.
• Age– Young developing bones need to be protected a bit more than adult bones, dogs should be over a year of age to bike with owners
• Comfort– It only takes one leash tangling up with one tire for catastrophe to strike. There are many safe options for tethering dogs to bikes or trailing them behind. It also may take time to acclimate your pet to the harness, tether, and moving bicycle. Consider environmental conditions when training your pet to a bike. Weather, traffic, and road surfaces all play a factor. Also consider the time of day, dogs have been known to “run their footpads off” from hot pavement or overheat from over exertion.

Biking with your dog can be a great way to exercise and enjoy nature for dogs and their people. Taking the time to prepare can make this a rewarding experience for all. Please visit the dog outdoors for additional resources, supplies (bike tow leashes, harnesses, cooling vests), and tips before hitting the trail.

How do pets get Addison’s disease?
While infection or trauma to the adrenal gland can cause Addison’s disease, the most common cause is immune related. The immune system is very powerful, designed to “fight off” anything identified as foreign. In cases of auto-immune disease, the immune system for unknown reasons attacks itself, or in the case of Addison’s disease the adrenal gland. Addison’s disease also occurs secondary to drug therapy for another condition called Cushing’s or with long-term use of steroids. When pets receive steroids orally or topically it can cause the adrenal glands to stop producing steroid or go dormant. If therapy is stopped suddenly the adrenal glands do not automatically turn on and start producing hormone again, thus creating a crisis situation. Pituitary disease rarely causes Addison’s disease.

What does a pet with Addison’s disease look like?
Unfortunately Addison’s disease does not have one “look”. It is more commonly recognized as a disease that mimics or masquerades with vague and non-specific symptoms. Owners may notice gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss) that come and go, changes in thirst or urination, or even shaking at odd times. Mild signs often self-resolve. When a pet is experiencing an Addisonian Crisis it is a medical emergency. This is when the disease has affected hydration or electrolytes to the point of potential collapse and sudden death. Hospitalization and emergency supportive care are necessary to treat the Crisis situation.

How is Addison’s diagnosed?
While testing of electrolyte values may hint at the presence of Addison’s, an ACTH test specifically diagnoses the disease by measuring cortisol levels.

How is Addison’s treated?
Fortunately the prognosis with Addison’s is good and there is essentially a cure in the form of medication that replaces lacking hormone. Depending on the type of Addison’s disease present, there are oral and injectable treatment options. Monitoring of electrolytes will be necessary on a regular basis. Special attention should be paid during stressful times as these are common times of decompensation and may require extra supplementation.

Canine acne occurs most commonly over the chin and lips of young, shorthaired breeds. Lesions consist of red bumps (papules) or pus-filled bumps (pustules) involving hair follicles. These bumps may ulcerate and drain a bloody or pus-filled discharge. Occasionally, the hair follicles can rupture (Furunculosis) resulting in extensive inflammation and development of small, fibrous nodules. If lesions are minimal they may cause very little discomfort to the animal but extensively affected areas may be painful or itchy.

Breeds most commonly affected are Doberman Pinschers, English Bulldogs, Great Danes, Weimaraners, Rottweilers, Boxers, and German Shorthaired Pointers.

Diagnose of canine acne is made by clinical signs and history. Skin scrapings, fungal and bacterial cultures may be performed to rule out mange and fungal infections or determine what antibiotic is appropriate.

Treatment involves cleansing affected areas daily with a medicated shampoo or ointment to aid in removal of debris from hair follicles and to decrease bacterial numbers on the skin. A topical antibacterial ointment is then applied twice daily. Severe cases may require systemic antibiotics.

Key Point: There are a small number of cases that cannot be cured but just controlled with continuous treatment.