What is meant by the term “Canine Bloat”?
This is a term that is synonymous with the more scientific term “Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus.” It is often called GDV. That means that a dog’s stomach twists on its long axis and distends with air to the point where the dog goes into shock and may die. Dilatation means that the stomach is distended with air, but it is located in the abdomen in its correct place (has not twisted). Volvulus means that the distention is associated with a twisting of the stomach on its longitudinal axis. How or why does this occur? We really do not know the answer to either of these questions. Original theories suggested that it occurred when a dog ate a large meal and then engaged in strenuous exercise. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. In most cases, the cause is undeterminable. No specific diet or dietary ingredient has been shown to lead to bloat. The most commonly affected breeds are those that are “deep-chested,” meaning the length of the chest is relatively longer in p
