Bloat risk factors

[Boxerworld]

Joe,

You have to post your Introduction in the Introduction forum at http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2
From the rules at http://boxerworld.com/rules:

Introductions: Boxerworld is a friendly community and all new members should introduce themselves in the "introduction" forum upon acceptance of their registration and before participating in other forums. Do not post questions here: post them in a separate thread in the forum most appropriate to the topic.

I know you posted your introduction here, but the problem is you would get removed as there is no post from you on the Introduction forum. How it works? I run a database query using all new members ID. Then I would have as results that userid 32608 (yours) has not posted in the Introduction and your account would be blocked. It is not for nothing that I insist people have to post in the Introduction forum.

 

[kit02]

joe keating - I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry to say it but it seems in Buddy’s bloat case stress may have played a factor with the kennel stay. Sometimes bloat will happen if the dog is highly stressed and in kennels they do tent to get stressed easily – combine that with old age you 2 factors combined that may have had something to do with it. Of course there’s a possibility other factors played a role but I have heard so many stories of dogs getting bloat in the kennels while the owner is away – which is brought on by stress.
My thoughts are with you during this time.

 

[Angie K]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents about Raised Feeding Bowls. I have always gone back to looking at wolves and our furkid's beginnings. In the wild they killed and ate from the ground not sitting at the table. So I would think that if they are eating with raised heads this would make it easier for them to gobble than if they are forced to swallow with their head down. Try eating something with your head down it really does take more time and effort. And as for my Furkids I noticed that sometimes when giving treats in a sit position my male seems to not chew them at all. If I give the treat from the floor he does chew first. So I sometimes ask for a sit, put the treat on the floor and then release then to take it. Especially if its a bigger Biscuit Treat.

 

[Burton'sMa]

Thank you Joe Keating

Thank you for your informative reply about bloat....our boy is 3 and freaks out if he is boarded....we learned this when he had surgery and had to stay at the vet for three nights......we went by everyday, but he was so upset.......we have never boarded him again and thought if we ever had to (b/c we always take him with us, but just in case we ever couldn't if.....we) could just find a place where he would be happy and comfortable.....now we will never put him in a kennel......please do not ever blame yourself....you based your decision on his prior visit which was positive......had nothing happened on the second visit you would not have thought twice......but I sincerely thank you for sharing your story, b/c it has made me rethink our situation.....God Bless you....We are truly sorry for your loss...

 

[Burton'sMa]

Question About Bloat and Yogurt

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

 

[boxer]

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]

buddy aug 1999- june 2005

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]

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]

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


thanks,

 

[gmacleod]

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.