Bloat risk factors - Page 3

Burton'sMa · #21 06-07-2005, 08:53 PM

If yogurt assists in digestion.....will it help in the prevention of bloat??

boxer · #22 06-08-2005, 06:26 AM

Probably not. As far as I'm aware, there have been no studies that would indicate additions such as yoghurt to have any effect one way or the other.

Nobody really knows what causes bloat - studies like this have simply identified factors that cause an increased risk. They did identify rendered bone within the first four ingredients of a dog food as a factor that decreases the risk of bloat - but as far as I'm aware, that is the only dietary factor identified to reduce the risk. Doesn't mean yoghurt couldn't help (or hurt) - just that nobody has done any research to find out.

amyjholli · #23 06-14-2005, 09:12 AM

my dog buddy died today of torsion i thought i caught it in time but he got to distended and bleed alot he tried to make i t but just couldn't i was my child i loved we slept to gether rode every where together he loved kids all the kids loved him i will miss till my last days but i know he knew he was unconditionally loved and so was i

**courtney323** · #24 06-14-2005, 09:39 AM

Hi amyjholli -

Please post your Introduction. This is something requierd of all new members, and is stated in the Rules (in addition to the email you received upon registration)

www.boxerworld.com/rules

Thanks

Glycol · #25 06-16-2005, 11:58 AM

What is the first sign of bloating? How much time does the dog have after it starts?

thanks,

**gmacleod** · #26 06-16-2005, 12:14 PM

The first sign of bloat is swelling of the belly (distension).

This is followed by unproductive vomitting (the dog appears to be trying to vomit, but nothing comes up). This may be accompanied by restlessness, rapid shallow breathing and indications of abdominal pain (such as biting at the belly). Severe pain may be indicated by profuse salivation.

If torsion (twisting of the gut) occurs, the dog's condition will deteriorate rapidly, and go into shock with a weak pulse, rapid heart rate, and pale gums. This is likely to be followed by collapse, and without treatment death. Even with prompt treatment, about a quarter to one third of dogs that develop bloat will die. All of this will occur within hours.

Soo - if you notice your dog's stomach swelling up rapidly, DO NOT DELAY in getting the animal to a vet. Don't wait for further signs to appear - these are sometimes only present after torsion has occured, and that's the part that kills.

Lola's mum · #27 07-30-2005, 11:42 AM

I'm glad I read this as I have been raiaing Lola's food dish off the floor as it advised to do this in my two boxer books.
My daughters guinea pig died from gastric torsion a couple of years ago.
So the advice is NOT to raise the dish off the floor then?
Thanks, this site is so informative.

**gmacleod** · #28 07-30-2005, 05:01 PM

Yes, the advice is NOT to use raised feeding dishes. Doing so increases the risk of bloat by over 100%.

Lmuglia · #29 08-03-2005, 05:37 AM

I have a question about Bloat. I am always concerned when we play - especially outside in the summer and throw a ball around, that when Grace is thirsty/hot, she really guzzles water. I know most Boxers drink alot, but I'm afraid that when we're playing, etc., and she drinks from her dish that I make sure is outside in case she needs it, can she drink too much and then go play hard again without concern? I know after she eats we don't do anything major like a walk or play/roughhouse until at least an hour later. Am I being overprotective?

RAISED DISH: I can't thank you all enough for this thread. I, too, was advised to raise the feeding dish - even bought a really snappy wrought iron one with two lovely dishes. In fact, it even recommended that "the dishes be shoulder high to the dog". Bloat is something I've read about before - especially when I got Grace, but have never heard this before. It's so frustrating that even "people who know" advise of this garbage. Ugh. Thanks - I'm headed downstairs to remove it now.

I've also gotten in the habit of putting a treat down when I can rather than giving it to her in the "sit" position - I swear to you that she inhales! When she is sitting, I put the treat in my hand and won't give her the whole thing at once - I let her bite little pieces off so it forces her not to guzzle it all at one time.

Just love this site - anything I can do to make her life happier or better is great.

Lmuglia · #30 08-03-2005, 05:54 AM

Dear Joe Keating - I am so very sorry for your loss. It appears that you two were the best of friends (as I think most of us our with our Boxers) and I simply cannot imagine the pain of this loss. Thank you, though, for sharing this as it may help to save other best friends of course. Please know that you both will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless...
Lauren