A suddenly swollen stomach in a dog is always a cause for concern. One of the most serious reasons for this is bloat, a life-threatening condition that needs urgent veterinary care.
Bloat can progress very quickly and, without treatment, can be fatal within hours. If your dog’s abdomen looks enlarged, firm or painful, especially if they are also trying to be sick, contact your vet immediately.
Bloat is the common name for gastric dilatation (GD) or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). It happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and, in some cases, twists on itself.
When the stomach twists, it cuts off its own blood supply and can also affect nearby organs, including the spleen. This leads to severe pain, shock and rapid deterioration.
Thankfully, bloat is uncommon, but it is one of the most serious emergencies vets see.
If you think your dog may have bloat:
Call your vet immediately. Let them know you are on the way so they can prepare for an emergency.
Keep your dog calm and quiet while you arrange transport. Stress and movement can make things worse.
Do not try to treat this at home. Bloat cannot be safely managed without veterinary care.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s stomach is swollen but something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to phone your vet for advice.
Your vet will act quickly to assess your dog and stabilise them. This may involve X-rays or blood tests, but treatment often starts straight away.
Treatment can include relieving the gas pressure in the stomach, giving fluids through a drip to treat shock, and providing strong pain relief.
Some cases require surgery, particularly if the stomach has twisted. During surgery, your vet may also secure the stomach in place (a procedure called a gastropexy) to reduce the risk of bloat happening again.
Sadly, even with treatment, bloat can still be fatal. Your vet will talk you through your dog’s condition and the options available, keeping your dog’s welfare at the centre of every decision.
The exact cause of bloat isn’t fully understood, but certain factors are thought to increase the risk, including:
Bloat can affect any dog, but it is seen more often in larger, deep-chested breeds, such as:
