Bloat (Gastric Dilatation)
Gastric dilatation (simple bloat) occurs when the stomach distends with gas, food, or fluid without rotating (unlike GDV). While less immediately life-threatening than GDV, it causes significant discomfort and can progress to volvulus. In rabbits and guinea pigs, bloat from gas accumulation is a serious emergency due to their inability to vomit.
Symptoms & Signs
- Distended abdomen
- Restlessness and discomfort
- Unproductive retching (dogs)
- Rapid breathing
- Reluctance to move
- Pain on abdominal palpation
- Decreased fecal output (small mammals)
Causes & Risk Factors
Dogs: overeating, rapid eating, aerophagia, fermentable foods. Small mammals: sudden diet changes, high-carbohydrate foods, GI stasis leading to gas accumulation, Clostridial overgrowth. Stress and lack of exercise contribute.
Diagnosis
Physical examination (tympanic abdomen). Radiographs to differentiate from GDV (no 'double bubble' sign). Assessment of cardiovascular status. Blood work for metabolic assessment.
Treatment
Dogs: gastric decompression (trocar or orogastric tube), IV fluids, monitoring for progression to GDV. Small mammals: simethicone, gentle massage, pain management, motility agents, emergency decompression if severe.
Prevention
Dogs: smaller frequent meals, slow-feeder bowls, avoid exercise after eating. Small mammals: high-fiber diet (hay), gradual diet changes, regular exercise, stress reduction.
Prognosis
Good with prompt treatment. Risk of progression to GDV in dogs. Small mammals: good if caught early, but severe bloat can be rapidly fatal due to diaphragm compression and cardiovascular compromise.
Affected Breeds (29)
| Breed | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Airedale Terrier | Dog | Large |
| Basset Hound | Dog | Large |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Dog | Giant |
| Bloodhound | Dog | Large |
| Borzoi | Dog | Giant |
| Bouvier des Flandres | Dog | Large |
| Boxer | Dog | Large |
| Briard | Dog | Large |
| Bullmastiff | Dog | Giant |
| Cane Corso | Dog | Giant |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Dog | Large |
| English Mastiff | Dog | Giant |
| English Setter | Dog | Medium |
| Flat-Coated Retriever | Dog | Large |
| Giant Schnauzer | Dog | Giant |
| Gordon Setter | Dog | Large |
| Great Dane | Dog | Giant |
| Great Pyrenees | Dog | Giant |
| Irish Setter | Dog | Large |
| Irish Wolfhound | Dog | Giant |
| Leonberger | Dog | Giant |
| Newfoundland | Dog | Giant |
| Poodle (Standard) | Dog | Large |
| Rottweiler | Dog | Large |
| Saint Bernard | Dog | Giant |
| Weimaraner | Dog | Large |
| Whippet | Dog | Medium |
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Dog | Medium |
| Apistogramma | Fish | Nano |