[ SHOWGSD-L ] TORSION
- From: MORGAN LEWIS <shadowland22000@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: gsd showlist <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, gsdgeneticdefects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, gsd911@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, whiteshepherdgenetics@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 08:59:24 -0700 (PDT)
Hi MORGAN LEWIS,
Did you know that "Bloat" is a deadly condition? Some breeds or some dog body
confirmations have a higher risk.
The medical term for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus", also known as GDV
or gastric torsion. It is a condition caused by abnormal dilatation and
twisting of the stomach. "Bloat" is initiated by abnormal accumulation of air,
fluid or foam in the stomach (gastric dilatation).
I mentioned that I have been spending some time in veterinary emergency rooms
and this is a common condition seen there. The other night I was at the clinic
and a dog came in with bloat. "Barney" was a 9-year-old mixed breed dog (mostly
Irish setter from what I could tell). He was a sweet dog and you could
immediately tell he was suffering. He was spacing, restless, very painful and
he kept trying to vomit. When the stomach is twisted - they "try" to vomit but
can't.
Bloat is the number-one cause of death for several large and giant breeds. It
is a life-threatening disorder and if left untreated, results in death.
Is your dog at risk?
Dr. Larry Glickman, an epidemiologist at the Purdue University School of
Veterinary Medicine, conducted a study on canine bloat, where he followed over
1,900 dogs to help identify risk factors. Risk factors include:
? The dogs with the greatest risk of developing bloat have deep narrow chests.
? The risk of bloat is slightly higher in males than females.
? Lean dogs were also found to be at higher risk for developing bloat than
overweight dogs.
? Older dogs are at a higher risk.
? Dogs with relatives that have developed bloat are at higher risk.
? Fast eaters are at higher risk for developing bloat. Many believe this is
due to increased swallowing of air when eating fast.
? Elevated food bowls have been shown to increase the risk of bloat.
? Dogs with nervous, fearful, or aggressive personalities have a higher
incidence of bloat.
? Stress, such as that occurs during kenneling, is an important precipitating
factor.
? Dogs fed dry food only or fed one large daily meal where at a higher risk
for bloat.
? Dogs fed foods in which an oil or fat ingredient, such as sunflower oil or
animal fat, were listed among the first four ingredients.
? Most cases of bloat occur after 6 pm.
Learn if your dog is at risk and how to prevent it. If your dog shows any signs
of bloat - it is an emergency and you should see your veterinarian immediately.
If you want to know more about risk factors and what you can do to prevent
bloat - to go www.Petplace.com and search for "bloat".
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S. Bloat is also one of the most expensive conditions to treat. According to
an emergency clinic in Columbus Ohio, the average cost for treatment of a bloat
is $2468.00. This condition is covered by most pet insurance policies. This is
an expensive disease to treat. Can you afford to cover a pet emergency out of
pocket like this? Have you looked into pet insurance yet? If you have not done
so, take a minute how pet insurance can save you money - go to
veterinarypetinsurance.com.
P.P.S. Many dogs are euthanized because owners cannot afford this expense. By
the way - Barney was euthanized. The owners could not afford to treat him. This
happens in veterinary emergency rooms all the time. It is very sad. So... if
you have not done so, take a minute to see how pet insurance can save you money
- go to petinsurance.com .
Morgan and His Angels
Precious, OFA
Princess, CGC, TDI, GSDCA Health Award
"RAW" fed, No Vaccinations
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