| Ginnie: I am reading your segments on torsion with great interest. As to gastropexy, it is my understanding that this procedure prevents torsion only but not another bloat.
Ingrid |
| Ingrid,
Gastropexy decreases the chance that a dog's stomach will torsion during bloat because it is anchored in place and can't twist very easily. It offers no guarantee that a dog's stomach can't or won't torsion again during another bloat episode, but the odds are in his favor. As far as I know, gastropexy has no impact on whether or not a dog will BLOAT again, it merely increases the chance he will survive if he does. Ginnie |
| This is a topic I can relate to - I experienced 3 bloats (2 different dogs) in 2001.
Re: Simethicone - if you go to a compounding pharmacy you can buy the liquid and load up a syringe or two to use in emergencies. You can then deliver several CCs at a time, rather than fussing with the capsules only to get a minuscule amount. Also, I am now of the belief that bloat may possibly be prevented through the use of probiotics and digestive enzymes. I now give Fastrack every day (trying to ward off the bad, gas-producing bacteria). Neither of my guys was on it when they bloated. I also give the enzymes. Ruby (I think her name is) has a web page devoted to her Lady R which has all of the above information discussed on it, and I really think she is on the right track. I will send you the URL from home. Also... after a dog bloats once, it is most likely to bloat again WITHIN THE FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS. This is according to my vet. I didn't know this at the time, and was not at all prepared when Otis bloated a second time 1 1/2 weeks later. She had successful surgery with a gastropexy and was in the ICU for 3 days afterward (they did a great job). She didn't have any pain meds after coming home (such a trooper!). I am now resolved that my guys will always get probiotics and enzymes, and my new little girl is getting a preventative pexy with her spay. Maybe we could do a story on that adventure! Take care and hugs to Merlin (loved that picture - he is now all white around the eyes like Otis was). Susan, Jenny, Bubble and gang |
| Thank you for another wonderful health series, Ginnie!!
I agree that stress seems to be the biggest factor (trigger, whatever) for GDV. That's my experience, anyway. I've lost two Danes to bloat in the past 20 years and both episodes were associated with discomfort from other unrelated conditions. It's too sad that we have to become quasi-experts about these awful diseases that affect our beautiful dogs. You've done such a fabulous job with DCM and GDV - I hope you continue to do a series on other diseases from time to time. Osteosarcoma would be a good one. Epilepsy would be another - I never thought that was much of a problem with this breed (and compared to some other breeds I guess it's not all that common) but now that I have a Dane with a seizure disorder I have learned so much... among other things that seizures in giant breed dogs appear to be more difficult to control than seizures in other breeds. And I agree with Susan about loving the picture of Merlin - my Patience is also now all white around her eyes, in fact she is sprinkled with white hairs all over so she looks more roan than Mantle! :-) Cheers, Barb Bristol |
| Hi Ginnie,
Mini had a preventative 'pexy done when she was spayed as a puppy. I'm very happy I did this. On a couple of occasions, one while on a trip, she started showing symptoms (restlessness mostly) and a few Phasymes later things returned to normal. Mini seems to have these episodes if she hasn't eaten much in a day. Thanks for the excellent series - I hope that many Danes may have a chance now that the symptoms and information have gotten to their owners. Hugs to Merlin. :-) Dawn |
| last week my weimaraner refused to eat and she became very week, she was always laying down so i took her to the vet. she was dying, fourtunately they performed a surgery. she had a twisted spleen. now 3 days later she seems to be recovering but she is still too weak, I am really concerned about this topic, she has been taking antibiotics and pain medication but i would like to know what are her chances and if she will have a special diet. Her spleen was removed completely but the vet said her stomach was fine.
IŽll be glad and thankful if you can give me more information. |
| Vicky,
You were very lucky that your dog's problem was discovered in time! I believe the questions you are asking should be directed to your veterinarian. You might review the section on this page about "reperfusion" because it might (potentially) be a factor in your case. Again, if you have any concerns about your Weim's recovery and long-term aftercare, a qualified veterinarian is your best source. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Ginnie |
| Dear Ginnie,
Our Dane, Jaxx, had an episode of bloat while we were at our cabin in the back woods of northern Alberta Canada. I am a nurse, I had a plan in mind, and tubed him at the cabin prior to rushing him across country to an awaiting vet. His stomach did not twist and the vet said it was due to the tube and release of air. He was very lethargic and ill looking for more than a week. Our breeder said that there have been some recent studies linking the helicoplyloric bacteria (which has been clearly linked to gastric ulcers in humans) to bloat in Danes. She suggested a six week course of antibiotics which in the end, made all the difference in the world. With a bland diet and antibiotics on board he has done well, despite the Grade IV systolic murmur and threat of CHF that accompanies it. Have you heard of the condition being caused by this bacteria? Sincerely, Cathi Garon, Canada. |
| Ginnie,
Thanks for the wonderful information. This past Sunday night my wife and I noticed our 5 year old blue Dane Oliver was very restless, dry heaving and drooling unusually. Turns out he was in fact Bloating. Luckily we got him to the emergency vet in time for them to operate and the performed a successful surgery. He is currently recovering at the hospital with plans to come home either today or tomorrow. It's good to know that we should keep a close eye on him due to the possibility of reperfusion. This is something i was not aware of until i came accross your article. Thanks again for the information, Alex Klaff, United States |
| I would like for you to know that this web site is the best thing we have seen on bloat in Great danes. We rushed our 4 month old girl, Lexi to the vet last night only to find out that she had it and that during the surgery they found that 4 feet of her intestines were twisted also. She is touch and go right now, but resting comfortably at our vet's office. I am so addened by this. She is the light of my life. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Our vet just continued to say how lucky we are that we got her there so early, and how good it was that we are so concious of how our dog acts and looks. I am sorry for anyone who has had to go through this. |
| We have just come through a awful 4 days with our 4 yr old Doberman Amber, she was rushed to the vets on Saturday with suspected GDV and was operated on for 2 & 1/2 hours and I can truely say it's the worst thing we have ever had to go through. Our vet was'nt sure if she'd pull through but so far so good and we've got a way to go yet. I read about bloat about 10 years ago but I never thought it would happen to one of my dogs, but I do think more should be done to let owners know about this terrible condition. My doberman books don't make any reference to it at all. I hope lexi is well now.
Kate UK |
| I just wish to thank you for your site and Dinky my 5 1/2 year old dane thanks you too.AS I sit here with her as usual on my bed I wonder which is true.? 1st I here a raised food bowl helps prevent chances of bloat, Now I read to not have an eleveted food bowl. Which is true? Dinky is so overwieght it is hard to tell if her tummy could be in bloat thanks so much for your info It helps but scares the heck outta me.
fondly jon |