Can someone please tell me what bloat is, and the effects of it.  Ellis, (12 weeks old), came back from his walk, had quite a big meal for him, went to sleep for approx 20 mins, then tried to get up.  He was very wobbly and not really with it for a while.

He seems to be okay now, although still a little unsteady on his feet.  Is this bloat, or something else, like just being too greedy??

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am quite worried.

Thanks

Juliet

Hi Juliet, let me define 'bloat' for you. It's the common name for Gastric dilatation with or without volvulous. In simple terms that means the stomach fills with gas produced when food is being digested, then it twists on it's axis sealing the entrance and exit. Imagine like a sweetie wrapped in cellophane. The gas continues to be produced and has nowhere to go so the abdomen swells, enormously. This is an excrutiatingly painful condition. The heart and other vital organs are placed under huge strain, and the tissues begin to deteriorate, turn gangrenous, and the shock means the animal dies within a very short space of time.

The breeds most at risk are those that are deeper in chest than they are wide when viewed from above, in my opinion GSP would come into that category. There are some important things which are believed to minimise the risks. One is NEVER exercise a dog within an hour or so of feeding, or for that matter for an hour or so afterwards. Do not allow the dog to gorge on water at these times either, simply allow a small drink, then allow more later. For years the advice has been to feed the dog from a raised feeding dish, or bowl stand. I do this, but recent advice is now to the contrary. My own feeling on it is that it must be more comfortable for large breeds, and I've done it for so long that I intend to continue.

There is lots of info on the subject here on Champdogs, do a search using the words Bloat or Gastric Tortion and you will come up with loads.
Dawn R.

Just like to add on to Dawns excellent explanation that it is an emergency & even if you only think it mught be bloat or you`re not sure you need to get to vet immediately :)

Christine, Spain.

Thank you both for that, at least now I understand.

Ellis seems just find this morning, but we shall be keeping an eye on him just to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Juliet

There was a discussion on this subject under the 'general' board last week - check out there for information re: feeding to avoid bloat - I think the discussion was re: feeding from raised bowls.

Juliet, just a small point to clarify?

"Ellis, (12 weeks old), came back from his walk" may I ask how far you are walking a 12 week old puppy? :-)