Only 59.38% of you believe that unproductive vomiting is an emergency. Perhaps I should have used different wording, such as unproductive retching.
A dog who is trying to vomit but nothing is coming out is a major emergency. This is a telltale sign of GDV/bloat!
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| Photo Preventive Vet |
Other symptoms of bloat can include:
- distended/bloated abdomen
- pained/incomfortable posture
- pacing/restlessness
- panting/difficult breathing
- excessive salivation
- rapid heart beat
- pale mucus membranes
- collapse
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is the mother of all emergencies. Every minute counts.
Immediate, aggressive treatment is the only thing that can save your dog's life.Why is GDV/bloat so dangerous?
In dogs, bloat goes beyond simple what we consider bloat in people. Yes, it involves an accumulation of gas, food or fluid in the stomach, causing it to expand. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs, restricting blood flow to the stomach lining, and the heart, and therefore to the rest of the body. This can cause hypovolemic shock.If that wasn't bad enough, sections of this trapped stomach wall can necrotize (the tissue dies). It can also cause blood clotting to go crazy with small blood clots developing throughout the entire bloodstream ... When things get this far, prognosis is extremely poor.
And just imagine the pain from all that.
Note: The video was taken at the emergency vet's office while Flash's x-rays (confirming GDV) were developing. Unfortunately, he didn't make it, though.
The video was taken in hopes that even just 1 large-breed dog owner who is not familiar with the symptoms of bloat would watch this and be able to identify the symptoms and seek medical attention before it is too late.
Grueling picture?
If I painted a truly grueling picture, it was my intention. This is indeed the worst of emergencies. Know the signs of GDV/bloat and know that if you see them time is wasting. Particularly if your dog is large, deep-chested breed.
Further reading:
Help... My Dog's Stomach is Bloated! Understanding Canine Bloat, Torsion, and GDV
Related articles:
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat); RIP Barbie
