Are Deep-Chested Dogs More Susceptible to Bloat?
In a previous study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (Bloat Notes May, 1993 – Mastiff Reporter June, 1994), we examined the pattern of occurrence of bloat for 5802 dogs. Pure- breed dogs were 3 times as likely to develop bloat as mixed-breed dogs, and in general, the larger the breed, the greater the risk. However, even among breeds of similar body size, there were marked differences in risk. For example, the “Setter” breeds (Irish and English) were at relatively high risk, while the “Retriever” breeds (Chesapeake, Labrador, Golden) were much less likely to bloat. Also, the Basset Hound had the 6th highest risk of bloat among all pure breeds despite the fact that it usually weighs less than 50 lbs. This pattern of breed risk led us to suspect that conformation of the chest (and probably abdomen) is an important factor in predisposition to bloat. We hypothesized that breeds typically having a greater chest depth/width ratio would be more likely to bloat because the deeper chest an
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