Bloat
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2008-06-20T16:38:17Z
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'''Bloat''' is a medical condition in which the [[stomach]] becomes overstretched by excessive [[gas]] content. It is also commonly referred to as '''torsion''', '''gastric torsion''', and '''gastric dilatation-volvulus''' (GDV) when the stomach is also twisted. The word ''bloat'' is often used as a general term to cover gas distension of the stomach with or without twisting. The name comes from the [[Middle English]] ''blout'', meaning soft or puffed, which is from the [[Old Norse]] ''blautr'', meaning soft or soaked.<ref>{{cite web | title = bloat | work = American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition | publisher = Bartleby.com | date = 2000 | url = http://www.bartleby.com/61/80/B0328000.html | accessdate = 2007-05-13 }}</ref> '''Meteorism''', its name derived from the writings of [[Hippocrates]], is now rarely used in English. The condition occurs most commonly in domesticated animals, especially [[ruminant]]s and certain [[dog]] breeds.
In dogs gas accumulation in the stomach may cause or be caused by a volvulus, or twisting, of the stomach which prevents gas from escaping. Deep-chested breeds are especially at risk. [[Mortality rate]]s in dogs range from 10 to 60 percent, even with treatment.<ref name=Aronson_2000>{{cite journal|author=Aronson, Lillian R.|coauthors=Brockman, Daniel J., Brown, Dorothy Cimino|title=Gastrointestinal Emergencies|journal=The Veterinary Clinics of North America|year=2000|volume=30|pages=558–569}}</ref> With surgery, the mortality rate is 15 to 33 percent.<ref name=Beck>{{cite journal |author=Beck J, Staatz A, Pelsue D, Kudnig S, MacPhail C, Seim H, Monnet E |title=Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003) |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=229 |issue=12 |pages=1934–9 |year=2006 |pmid=17173533 |doi=10.2460/javma.229.12.1934}}</ref>
[[Image:Bloat x-ray.JPG|thumb|X-ray of a dog with bloat. Note the classic "double bubble" pattern indicating that stomach torsion has occurred in this case]]
==Causes==
Bloat in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in all cases the immediate prerequisite is a [[dysfunction]] of the [[sphincter]] between the [[esophagus]] and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the [[pylorus]].<ref name=Parton>{{cite journal |author=Parton A, Volk S, Weisse C |title=Gastric ulceration subsequent to partial invagination of the stomach in a dog with gastric dilatation-volvulus |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=228 |issue=12 |pages=1895–900 |year=2006 |pmid=16784379 |doi=10.2460/javma.228.12.1895}}</ref> Some of the more widely acknowledged factors for developing bloat include increased age, breed, having a deep and narrow chest, stress, eating foods such as kibble that expand in the stomach, overfeeding, and other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress. Studies have indicated that the risk of bloat in dogs perceived as happy by their owners is decreased, and increased in dogs perceived as fearful. This may be due to the [[physiology|physiological]] effects of the dog's personality on the function and motility of the gastrointestinal system.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Glickman L, Glickman N, Schellenberg D, Raghavan M, Lee T |title=Incidence of and breed-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=216 |issue=1 |pages=40–5 |year=2000 |pmid=10638316 |doi=10.2460/javma.2000.216.40}}</ref> Dogs with [[inflammatory bowel disease]] may be at an increased risk for bloat.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Braun L, Lester S, Kuzma A, Hosie S |title=Gastric dilatation-volvulus in the dog with histological evidence of preexisting inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective study of 23 cases |journal=Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=287–90 |year=1996 |pmid=8784718}}</ref>
===Dietary factors===
One common recommendation in the past has been to raise the food bowl of the dog when it eats. However, studies have shown that this may actually increase the risk of bloat.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Glickman L, Glickman N, Schellenberg D, Raghavan M, Lee T |title=Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=217 |issue=10 |pages=1492–9 |year=2000 |pmid=11128539 |doi=10.2460/javma.2000.217.1492}}</ref> Eating only once daily<ref>{{cite journal |author=Glickman L, Glickman N, Schellenberg D, Simpson K, Lantz G |title=Multiple risk factors for the gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in dogs: a practitioner/owner case-control study |journal=Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association |volume=33 |issue=3 |pages=197–204 |year=1997 |pmid=9138229}}</ref> and eating food consisting of particles less than 30 mm in size also may increase the risk of bloat.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Theyse L, van de Brom W, van Sluijs F |title=Small size of food particles and age as risk factors for gastric dilatation volvulus in great danes |journal=Vet. Rec. |volume=143 |issue=2 |pages=48–50 |year=1998 |pmid=9699253}}</ref> One study looking at the ingredients of dry dog food found that while neither increased grains, soy, or animal proteins increased risk of bloat, foods containing an increased amount of added oils or fats do increase the risk, possibly due to delayed emptying of the stomach.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Raghavan M, Glickman N, Glickman L |title=The effect of ingredients in dry dog foods on the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs |journal=Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=28–36 |year=2006 |pmid=16397192}}</ref>
===Breed susceptibility===
The five breeds at greatest risk are [[Great Dane]]s, [[Weimaraner]]s, [[St. Bernard (dog)|St. Bernard]]s, [[Gordon Setter]]s, and [[Irish Setter]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Glickman L, Glickman N, Pérez C, Schellenberg D, Lantz G |title=Analysis of risk factors for gastric dilatation and dilatation-volvulus in dogs |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=204 |issue=9 |pages=1465–71 |year=1994 |pmid=8050972}}</ref> In fact, the lifetime risk for a Great Dane to develop bloat has been estimated to be close to 37 percent.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ward M, Patronek G, Glickman L |title=Benefits of prophylactic gastropexy for dogs at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus |journal=Prev. Vet. Med. |volume=60 |issue=4 |pages=319–29 |year=2003 |pmid=12941556 |doi=10.1016/S0167-5877(03)00142-9}}</ref> [[Poodle|Standard Poodle]]s are also at risk for this health problem,<ref name=Merck>{{cite web | title = Gastric Dilatation-volvulus | work = The Merck Veterinary Manual | date = 2006 | url = http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/23305.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17 }}</ref> as are Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.<ref>http://dogtime.com/bloat.html</ref> [[Basset Hound]]s have the greatest risk for dogs less than 23 kg. <ref name=Aronson_2000/>
==Pathology==
The stomach twists around the longitudinal axis of the digestive tract, also known as ''volvulus''. Gas distension may occur prior to or after the stomach twists.<ref name=Parton/> The most common direction for rotation is clockwise, viewing the animal from behind. The stomach can rotate up to 360° in this direction and 90° counterclockwise. If the volvulus is greater than 180°, the [[esophagus]] is closed off, thereby preventing the animal from relieving the condition by belching or vomiting.<ref name=Merck/> The results of this distortion of normal anatomy and gas distension include [[hypotension]] (low blood pressure), decreased return of blood to the [[heart]], [[ischemia]] (loss of blood supply) of the stomach, and [[shock (medical)|shock]]. Pressure on the [[portal vein]] decreases blood flow to [[liver]] and decreases the ability of that organ to remove toxins and absorbed [[bacteria]] from the blood.<ref>{{cite web | last = Bright | first = Ronald M. | title = Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Risk Factors and Some New Minimally Invasive Gastropexy Techniques | work = Proceedings of the 29th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association | date = 2004 | url = http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2004&PID=8763&O=Generic | accessdate = 2007-04-17 }}</ref> At the other end of the stomach, the [[spleen]] may be damaged if the twisting interrupts its blood supply. If not quickly treated, bloat can lead to [[blood poisoning]], [[peritonitis]] and death by [[toxic shock]].
==Symptoms==
Symptoms are not necessarily distinguishable from other kinds of distress. A dog might stand uncomfortably and seem to be in extreme discomfort for no apparent reason. Other possible symptoms include firm distension of the [[abdomen]], weakness, depression, difficulty breathing, hypersalivation, and retching without vomiting. A high rate of dogs with bloat have cardiac [[arrhythmia]]s (40 percent in one study).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Brockman D, Washabau R, Drobatz K |title=Canine gastric dilatation/volvulus syndrome in a veterinary critical care unit: 295 cases (1986-1992) |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=207 |issue=4 |pages=460–4 |year=1995 |pmid=7591946}}</ref> Chronic bloat may occur in dogs, symptoms of which include loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss.<ref name=Fossum>{{cite web | last = Fossum | first = Theresa W. | title = Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: What's New? | work = Proceedings of the 31st World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association | date = 2006 | url = http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/wsava/2006/lecture25/Fossum4.pdf?LA=1 | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-04-17 }}</ref>
==Diagnosis==
[[Image:GDV x-ray.JPG|thumb|Bloat in a dog, with "double bubble" sign]]
A diagnosis of bloat is made by several factors. The breed and history will often give a significant suspicion of bloat, and the physical exam will often reveal the telltale sign of a distended abdomen with abdominal [[Tympanites|tympany]]. Shock is diagnosed by the presence of pale [[mucous membrane]]s with poor [[capillary]] refill, increased heart rate, and poor [[pulse]] quality. [[X-rays]] (usually taken after decompression of the stomach if the dog is unstable) will show a stomach distended with gas. The pylorus, which normally is [[Anatomical terms of location|ventral]] and to the right of the body of the stomach, will be [[Anatomical terms of location|cranial]] to the body of the stomach and left of the midline, often separated on the x-ray by soft tissue and giving the appearance of a separate gas filled pocket (double bubble sign).<ref name=Fossum/>
==Treatment==
Bloat is an emergency medical condition: having the animal examined by a [[veterinarian]] is imperative. Bloat can become fatal within a matter of minutes.
===First Aid===
A dog owner can sometimes relieve the immediate pressure of bloat by passing a tube down the throat, as an emergency [[first aid]] technique. This is not an easy task and cannot readily be improvised; some web sites document so-called bloat first aid kits and contain descriptions of the first aid a dog owner can provide at the time an attack of bloat is discovered. [http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm] [http://www.dachshund.org/bloat_instructions.html] [http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/pdf/FIRST_AID_CARE_FOR_PETS.pdf] This is not a substitute for immediate veterinary treatment. There is risk of esophagus or stomach rupture if the tube is inserted too forcefully, or if the stomach is necrotic.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus General Review | work = Small Animal Gastroenterology | publisher = University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine | date = 2002 | url = http://caltest.vet.upenn.edu/sagastro/genrev/revgdv.htm#Possible%20Complications | accessdate = 2006-12-05 }}</ref>
===Veterinary treatment===
Treatment usually involves resuscitation with [[intravenous therapy|intravenous fluid therapy]], usually a combination of [[isotonic]] fluids and [[hypertonic saline]] or a [[colloid]]al solution such as [[hetastarch]], and emergency [[surgery]]. The stomach is initially decompressed by passing a stomach tube, or if that is not possible, multiple [[trocar]]s can be passed through the skin into the stomach to remove the gas. During surgery, the stomach is placed back into its correct position, the abdomen is examined for any devitalized tissue (especially the stomach and [[spleen]]). A partial [[gastrectomy]] may be necessary if there is any [[necrosis]] of the stomach wall.
===Prevention and reduction of recurrence===
Recurrence of bloat attacks can be a problem, occurring in up to 80 percent of dogs treated medically only (without surgery).<ref name=Rawlings>{{cite journal |author=Rawlings C, Mahaffey M, Bement S, Canalis C |title=Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs susceptible to gastric dilatation |journal=J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. |volume=221 |issue=11 |pages=1576–81 |year=2002 |pmid=12479327 |doi=10.2460/javma.2002.221.1576}}</ref> To prevent recurrence, at the same time the bloat is treated surgically, a right-side [[gastropexy]] is often performed, which by a variety of methods firmly attaches the stomach wall to the body wall, to prevent it from twisting inside the abdominal cavity in future. While dogs that have had gastropexies still may develop gas distension of the stomach, there is a significant reduction in recurrence of gastric volvulus. One study showed that out of 136 dogs that had surgery for bloat, 4.3 percent of those that did have gastropexies had a recurrence, while 54.5 percent of those without the additional surgery recurred.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Glickman L, Lantz G, Schellenberg D, Glickman N |title=A prospective study of survival and recurrence following the acute gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in 136 dogs |journal=Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=253–9 |year=1998 |pmid=9590454}}</ref> Gastropexies are also performed [[prophylaxis|prophylactically]] in dogs considered to be at high risk of bloat, including dogs with previous episodes of bloat or with gastrointestinal disease predisposing to bloat, and dogs with a first order relative (parent or sibling) with a history of bloat.<ref name=Rawlings/>
Precautions that are likely to help prevent bloat include feeding small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal and not exercising immediately before or after a meal.<ref name=Wingfield>{{cite book | last = Wingfield | first = Wayne E. | title = Veterinary Emergency Medicine Secrets | publisher = Hanley & Belfus, Inc | date = 1997 | id = ISBN 1-56053-215-7 }}</ref>
==Prognosis==
Immediate treatment is the most important factor in a favorable prognosis. A delay in treatment greater than six hours or the presence of [[peritonitis]], [[sepsis]], [[hypotension]], or [[disseminated intravascular coagulation]] are negative prognostic factors.<ref name=Beck/>
==Bloat in cattle==
In cattle, bloating is most often caused by the animal eating damp, green [[alfalfa]]. New (green) alfalfa hay, especially that made from the first cutting of the year, must be kept from cattle until it has aged for several weeks. When a calf has become bloated, often a section of hose is inserted down the throat and into the stomach to relieve the gas pressure that builds up. A [[veterinarian]] should be called for treatment. As with dogs, death of the animal often results if bloat is not quickly treated.
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
*[http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=672 ''Bloat The Mother of All Emergencies'' from The Pet Health Library]
*[http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bloat.html Dog Owner's Guide: Bloat]
*[http://www.dogpausebowl.com/Whitepaper_s/28.htm Whitepaper on Healthy Dog Eating]
[[Category:Dog diseases]]
[[Category:Bovine diseases]]
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