Bloat/Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) - Page 2

Spyglass Sally · 09-20-2009, 06:48 AM

Before Buddy we had a Great Dane who came up to us restless and salivating at a most inopportune time. We were packing up to run out of state to see someone in critical care with a gunshot wound. Lucy was supposed to be dropped off on our way out of town but I looked at her and thought, "Something's not right here" and thought of bloat.

Sure enough - we rushed her to the vet and they did emergency surgery on her. What a week that was! When it rained it poured! She recovered fine though and it never happened again. Her dishes were raised, btw, and she ate dry kibble.

Boxer100 · 09-20-2009, 08:23 PM

It's funny how some companies that sell raised bowls or stands say that they prevent bloating and strain on the body and neck. I guess it was all a gimmick regarding the bloating. We use a raised bowl for our boxer because his legs are too long and he would have to really bend his legs to reach the food. Knock on wood, we did not have problems with bloating.

Jewels · 01-19-2010, 08:38 PM

Does anyone limit water intake before or after eating? Our trainer told us to not give water an hour before and an hour after feeding. Does anyone else do this?

I have also read articles regarding the raised dishes increasing the chances of bloat.

AussieGirl · 01-20-2010, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewels

Does anyone limit water intake before or after eating? Our trainer told us to not give water an hour before and an hour after feeding. Does anyone else do this?

No I don't - I do raw feed though

Spyglass Sally · 01-20-2010, 05:27 AM

From http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proce...5091&O=Generic

"Dogs fed dry foods containing fat among the first four ingredients had a 170 percent higher risk for developing bloat. Dogs fed dry foods containing citric acid and were moistened prior to feeding had a 320 percent higher risk for developing bloat. Conversely, feeding a dry food containing a rendered meat-and-bone meal decreased risk by 53 percent in comparison with the overall risk for the dogs in the study. Mixing table food or canned food into dry food also decreased the risk of bloat."

Elevated dishes were found to be a risk factor, but some believe that was not separated out from other factors, like the breed (Great Dane). There's another link on the risk factors here which is easier to read.

JoeV · 01-20-2010, 01:00 PM

anyone know if it is bad adding water to raw? i use a vitamin powder called Nupro. when mixed with water it makes a gravy. i usually put in about an ounce of water to make the gravy. (mix it into the ground meat or pour it on top of chicken wings, etc.).

AussieGirl · 01-20-2010, 05:03 PM

Joe- adding water shouldn't be a problem with a raw diet. I have only read about it being an issue with kibble and even then I have found just as many articles/opinions stating you don't have to limit water as I have stating you do. Joe by feeding Lucky raw you have made the chances of her getting bloat very, very, small (it is more of an issue with kibble fed dogs)- yet another benefit of raw.

KeeperBoy · 01-20-2010, 05:15 PM

I think the issue with water and kibble is because it expands. Water should make raw meat expand so it should be fine.

purplelori · 01-21-2010, 10:25 AM

Very interesting read. Wally has always been a 'food sucker' (sucks it up like a vacuum!) So we have been feeding him with his dish upside down so he follows the channel. This seems to slow him down a bit. I didn't know about the Mylanta Gas though--I better make sure we have some on hand, just in case!

JoeV · 01-25-2010, 08:31 AM

Thanks, guys, good info