Bloat ~ Is your dog at risk?

The following extracts are  taken from a recent study by Larry Glickman VMD. DrPD (vet researcher at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine USA) into the condition of Bloat.

Profiles of dogs at high risk for bloat

* Giant breeds (e.g. Grate Dane, Irish Wolfhound)
* Large Breed (e.g.. Blood Hound, Akita)
*Deep and narrow abdomen (e.g.. Setters, Basset Hound)
*Fearful and anxious
* Fast Eater
*History of abdominal distention after eating
* Excessive flatulence or belching
* First degree relative that bloated
* History of poor body condition.
Note: not all dogs that fit the high risk profile will bloat. they are however, at higher risk of developing the condition than are dogs that have none or few of these characteristics.

Profile of dogs least likely to bloat.

* Happy temperament
* Normal or overweight

Management that increases the risk of bloat

* Feeding one meal per day
* Raising the food bowl

Management that decreases the risk of bloat

* Feeding small, multiple meals per day.
 
 

The "Happiness" Score.

The following is the ranking of 11 breeds by their "happiness" score from the Purdue University Prospective Study of GDV.
 
Rank
Highest
 		 Males Females

 
1
 Newfoundland Rottweiler
2
 Weimaraner Collie
3
 Rottweiler Newfoundland
4
 Akita Weimaraner
5
 St. Bernard Standard Poodle
6
 Collie Bloodhound
7
 Standard Poodle Irish Wolfhound
8
 Great dane Akita
9
 Irish Setter St Bernard
10
 Irish Wolfhound Irish Setter
11
Lowest
 Bloodhound Great Dane

* Based on owners reports.
Note; these scores represent averages for the purpose of a particular study. All dogs of any breed are individuals capable of expressing a variety of temperaments and personalities.
 

Lowering the risks.

After reviewing the results of Glickman's study, if you believe your dog may be in the high risk category, there are several steps you can take to actively reduce the chances of bloat/torsion.
Glickman makes the following preliminary recommendations based on what is already known:

1) Don't breed a dog if a first degree relative has suffered an episode of bloat.
2) Consider a prophylactic gastropexy for dogs that fit the high risk profile (Note: Prophylactic gastropexy should be performed only if the dog is already is neutered or will be neutered at the time of gastropexy. Breeders who prevent high risk dogs from bloating by opting for this surgery, but then continue to breed the dog mask the problem and destroy their selection criteria in a breeding context)
3) Owners who have dogs that eat rapidly should do anything they can to slow the speed of eating. Owners in the study suggested all sorts of methods, some of which were quite effective. The most common and effective strategy was to place a large object that the dog had to eat around in the food bowl. The object that worked best, although it sounds a little unusual, was a heavy chain with big links. Unlike a rock, which the dog can push out of the way, a heavy link chain forces the dog to eat around it.
4)Owners of anxious or fearful dogs should consider behavior modification. A growing number of animal behaviorists and vets know how to intervene with these dogs. In some instances, drug therapy may also be warranted.
5) Feed small, multiple meals instead of one large meal/day.
6) Do not elevate the food bowl.

After his analysis of the study's results is complete, Glickman will make dietary recommendations based on types of feed if they are indicated.