Bloat/Torsion
Gastric Dilitation-Volvulous (GDV)
Bloat or GDV is a devastating killer of dogs and it is the greatest killer of the
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Mostly, GDV occurs in deep chested breeds, such as
the GSMD and requires immediate veterinary care. Unfortunately, even with the
speediest care, many dogs do not survive.
Bloat can occur with or without torsion of the stomach and/or spleen, just as torsion
can occur with or without bloat. When abnormal amounts of air, food, fluids get
into the stomach, you have the right conditions for bloat. It can be caused by
wolfing down too much water, too much food too fast, exercise after eating,
stress, or conditions too numerous to mention and some unknown as well.
Symptoms can be distended abdomen, excessive salivating, depression, lethargy -
there are so many symptoms that you would just have to know your dog and know
that something was not right.
When Bloat occurs it cuts off the esophagus and the blood supply to the heart is
lessened causing low blood pressure as well as other cardiac problems. This
causes the dog to go into shock. Organ damage can occur as well and the stomach
may rupture causing peritonitis to set in. This can also affect the stomach and
spleen and cause torsion. If not treated, the dog may die.
I would urge all Swissy owners to acquaint their veterinarians and emergency care
facilities that you have a GSMD and this is a breed that is very prone to bloat
and torsion.
In the Purdue Bloat Study, they state that though there are ethical issues that
need to be considered by dog breeders and veterinarians, any dog that is prone
to GDV should have an elective gastropexy (stomach tack). This will not prevent
bloat, but will prevent the torsion that usually occurs with the bloat, and the
dogs chances of survival improve greatly.
Gastric Dilitation-Volvulous (GDV)
Bloat or GDV is a devastating killer of dogs and it is the greatest killer of the
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Mostly, GDV occurs in deep chested breeds, such as
the GSMD and requires immediate veterinary care. Unfortunately, even with the
speediest care, many dogs do not survive.
Bloat can occur with or without torsion of the stomach and/or spleen, just as torsion
can occur with or without bloat. When abnormal amounts of air, food, fluids get
into the stomach, you have the right conditions for bloat. It can be caused by
wolfing down too much water, too much food too fast, exercise after eating,
stress, or conditions too numerous to mention and some unknown as well.
Symptoms can be distended abdomen, excessive salivating, depression, lethargy -
there are so many symptoms that you would just have to know your dog and know
that something was not right.
When Bloat occurs it cuts off the esophagus and the blood supply to the heart is
lessened causing low blood pressure as well as other cardiac problems. This
causes the dog to go into shock. Organ damage can occur as well and the stomach
may rupture causing peritonitis to set in. This can also affect the stomach and
spleen and cause torsion. If not treated, the dog may die.
I would urge all Swissy owners to acquaint their veterinarians and emergency care
facilities that you have a GSMD and this is a breed that is very prone to bloat
and torsion.
In the Purdue Bloat Study, they state that though there are ethical issues that
need to be considered by dog breeders and veterinarians, any dog that is prone
to GDV should have an elective gastropexy (stomach tack). This will not prevent
bloat, but will prevent the torsion that usually occurs with the bloat, and the
dogs chances of survival improve greatly.