What Does a Bloated Stomach Look Like in Dogs?

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), or more commonly known as bloat, is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. This occurs when the stomach, severely distended with fluid, food and gas, twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. If you suspect your dog has bloat, they must be taken to an emergency hospital immediately to be assessed.

Signs and Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs

• Restlessness or pacing

• Unproductive retching or gagging

• Swollen, hard abdomen

• Excessive drooling or salivation

• Not eating

• Rapid or laboured breathing

• Abnormal posture when standing or walking

• Weakness or sudden collapse

• Pale gums

Causes of Bloat in Dogs

Large breed, deep-chested dogs are predisposed to bloat, including Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds.

The exact cause of bloat in dogs is still being researched, but certain factors may increase your dog’s risk of bloating. These may include:

• Gas buildup from eating too quickly

• Drinking excessive water rapidly

• Exercise immediately after eating

• Food intolerance or sudden diet changes

• Related relative who suffered from bloat

These factors may lead to fluid, food and gas causing the stomach to stretch or distend abnormally, causing it to twist on itself. Blood flow to the stomach and surrounding organs becomes compromised, and the patient may develop systemic shock. It is vital to take your dog to the emergency veterinarian at once if they suddenly present with concerning symptoms.

How Our Vets Diagnose the Cause of Bloat

Physical Examination

A physical examination is crucial in determining the vital status of your dog. A large, hard and gas-filled stomach can often be easily palpated during the physical examination. Due to the urgent nature of the condition, diagnostics and treatment are often commenced as soon as bloat is suspected.

Abdominal Imaging

X-rays and ultrasound imaging may be used to scan your dog’s abdomen to assess for the presence of bloat. This will also help the veterinarian prepare an appropriate treatment plan to address your dog’s condition promptly.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are routinely done to evaluate the vital status of your dog. This helps with the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Bloat in Dogs

Medical management of bloat is only reserved for cases where there is mild distension of the stomach without twisting. Twisting or malpositioning of the stomach requires urgent intervention, often involving surgery to de-twist the stomach.

As part of initial stabilisation, treatment will be aimed at decompressing the stomach. A tube is inserted to release the build-up of gas and fluid within the stomach. If the tube cannot be passed due to twisting of the stomach, the vet will use a needle or catheter to insert it through the skin into the stomach to relieve pressure.

IV fluids with electrolytes will be given to counteract shock and improve circulation while the stomach is decompressed. This helps stabilise your dog’s condition and prepare them for emergency surgery. During surgery, the stomach is de-rotated, and any remaining gas or fluid is evacuated. A gastropexy procedure is performed to secure the stomach in its normal anatomical positioning to prevent future twisting. Internal organs are also assessed at the time of surgery, and removal of any organs that are no longer viable is performed at the same time. Organs that can be affected include portions of the stomach wall, and the spleen.

Following surgery, these patients are cared for within the Intensive Care Unit. Continued monitoring over a few days is often required as patients recover. Prognosis is variable, depending on how severe the condition is.

If your dog needs urgent care for severe bloating, contact Westside Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital to schedule an appointment.