Dog Bloat - Owner's Guide to Bloat in Dogs

By D Swain
Bloat in dogs is one of the most common causes of death. This condition occurs when your dog's stomach swells due to excess fluid or gas. It can be life-threatening in under an hour. So, what exactly causes this condition?
Causes
There are a few things that can cause dog bloat. Your dog can develop it if he exercises too soon before or after he eats. Eating from a raised food bowl can also cause this condition. Stress and gulping too much air are also common causes.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, the symptoms of bloat in dogs can be difficult to notice easily. The abdominal area will be swollen, but maybe not enough for you to tell if you're not looking carefully.
In addition to the abdominal swelling, a dog with bloat will also salivate and pant excessively. He will also whine a lot and appear agitated. Dogs also attempt to vomit, but won't produce anything.
Diagnosis
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, dog bloat can be fatal in less than an hour. Therefore, your veterinarian may begin treatment even before he makes a definitive diagnosis. Once treatment has already begun, x-rays and blood tests will help determine if your dog truly has bloat.
Treatment
Since this condition is caused by the buildup of excess fluid or gas, it will have to be removed. The veterinarian will insert a tube down your dog's throat so that the gas or fluid can be released. However, this method is unsuccessful sometimes.
If the tube doesn't work, then your dog will have to undergo emergency surgery. The vet will make a cut into the stomach to give the fluid or gas a means for escape. Your dog may also need to take various medications while battling this condition. They include antibiotics, steroids, and anti-arrythmics to deal with heart problems.Bloat is just one of many potentially serious illnesses that can affect your dog. There are many others such as dog melanoma and dog lung cancer. Dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information for dog owners about many different diseases. So, stop by today to learn about some of these diseases that can affect your pet.
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