BLOAT true medical emergency: a must read for GSD owners

[dogmama]

Thought I'd update on Zack's gastropexy -

He had it done laproscopically one week ago. He is doing great! They kept him overnight. When he came home the next morning, he was still groggy & sore for a couple of days. Now, the challenge is to keep him from jumping, running, ball chasing, etc., for the next week (when sutures are removed.)

They shaved him from the bottom of his ribcage to his lower groin area. He just started licking a couple of days ago & now sports a handsome blue blow-up donut. The cat keeps stalking him - can't figure out what that "thing" is. I figure when we get done with it, Zack can use it as a life preserver because his swimming is really bad.

[shilohsmom]

My little girl, Shoshona, is two years post Bloat/Surgery and doing well. There is hope if it can be caught in time and we can get them to a skilled Vet facility.

[whitemochi]

can they bloat from any age?
are puppies just as likely to get bloat?

[fkeeley]

Originally Posted by whitemochi

can they bloat from any age?
are puppies just as likely to get bloat?

I haven't heard a puppy bloating. I feel like it might be somewhat age related but don't quote me on that. I guess I just hear happening to older dogs not young ones. I still take all the necessary precautions as I don't want to have to go through it again. Not taking any chances; of course, there is no guarantee unfortunately. I still think that the best precaution is to know the symptoms and rush the dog to the vet if you think he might be bloating.

[LisaT]

puppies can bloat.

[dogmama]

Originally Posted by whitemochi

can they bloat from any age?
are puppies just as likely to get bloat?

My vet said it's mainly older dogs, males with deep chests who gulp their food. I had a gastropexy done with Zack and it's well worth the money for the peace of mind. He can still bloat but he can't twist. So he still needs to be rushed to a vet if he bloats, but it isn't as life threatening.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Before anyone jumps all over the people taking the video you need to know a couple things.

1. These people had NO experience with bloat. They were video taping their new foster dog and didn't realize what was happening.

2. The dog in the video DOES SURVIVE!!! He gets the treatment needed and recovers.


The reason why this video is important is because it shows us - in REAL LIFE - the sometimes subtle symptoms of bloat. The pacing, the stomach distending, trying to drink and then vomitting - all classics bloat symptoms but not always so obvious.

For those of us that HAVE had a dog bloat - this video is very difficult to watch without yelling at the screen "GET HIM TO THE VET YOU MORONS!!!". Just know that they DID and the dog is fine and now this is an excellent learning tool for others.

You Tube

You Tube

.

[MaggieRoseLee]

[lzver]

Originally Posted by Barb E

The metal is covered in PTFE (Like Teflon) - Just an FYI

Polytetrafluoroethylene - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anything coated in PTFE does not enter my house ... So this would never be an option to me.

I have 3 parrots as well and if heated to high temperatures, PTFE emits toxic fumes that can kill birds in minutes. Also not good for humans.

[lzver]

We had our 11 week old GSD at the vet this week and the vet discussed bloat with us. We are going to do the preventative tacking when he's getting neutered at 6 months. She never pressured us, but gave us all the info we needed to make an informed decision. After reading more about bloat, it seems like a low risk procedure. I'm also very glad now we selected a vet that is only 15 minutes away and has a vet on call 24x7.