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AFGHANS ARE US -HEALTH
BLOAT
THE KC/BSAVA SEMINAR held at HATFIELD
November 3rd 2002
GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS SYNDROME ....otherwise known as BLOAT
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Whilst the serious
condition of BLOAT fortunately does not effect the AFGHAN HOUND, despite its
anatomical make up, to such a degree as some of the other deep-chested
breeds. This very serious condition has been recorded within our breed,
indeed articles have been written, specifically in the Western Club
magazine. A few years back, Carol Hill & Diana Greenfield wrote of their
experiences, indeed following the death of her young bitch with Bloat, Diana
did a mini-survey with quite an interesting response .I am aware of both
Afghan Hounds & Borzois who have succumbed to the condition and others who
have survived with surgery. Some very relevant points were made at this
seminar & whilst we still do not know WHY it happens, with advances in
surgical treatment and management in more recent years, the survival rate is
now around 80 per cent. The emphasis is still on how QUICKLY the condition
is picked up. WHY it happens may elude us but it is known that there does
appear to be some pointers toward a FAMILIAL pattern
The contributory factor of STRESS is still considered a high risk in such
predisposed animals. Another thing of interest, the WEATHER!
bio-metrological events. (heat humidity & thunderstorms!)
Single Food Source is associated with increased risk. We were advised on
food variation, the spacing of meals and to feed larger particles. Dogs
should be made to use their JAWs! less soft slop food!
Whilst the condition was said to be rare in the YOUNG dog, it is now being
treated in an increasing number of younger dogs in all breeds. Possibly
there is a greater awareness, hence dogs being brought in quicker and hence
the increase in the survival rates
A question from the audience, regarding feeding from a raised surface. No
evidence either way to suggest this may aid prevention but most of the
audience with large breed dogs agreed that this was the way the majority fed
their dogs from a breed conformation and comfort reasons
The following is an extract from the print out that was given on this
presentation by ED HALL who is Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal
Medicine at Bristol Vet School. A particularly good speaker, Dr Hall has a
particular interest in gastroenterology. Following a spell at the University
of Pennsylvania and then at Liverpool, where he did some research into
gluten-sensitivity in Irish Setters, his current research interests include
gastro-intestinal disease in the German Shepherd Dog and Inflammatory Bowel
Disease
GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS SYNDROME (BLOAT)
GDV is one of the true emergencies of small animal practice requiring prompt
and vigorous treatment if it is not to be fatal. Advances in management have
improved survival rates from below 60 percent to 80 percent upwards within
the last decade. However numerous myths about GDV exist whilst the reason(s)
why it happens and the methods to prevent it continue to elude us despite
many hypotheses
We know that some (not all) deep chested breeds are susceptible. There may
be familial background. It is unclear whether predisposition to GDV itself
is inherited or whether it is merely a reflection of the dog's conformation
and lifestyle.I t is usually an acquired disease of older dogs. GDV in the
younger dog is possibly related to congenital defects in the ligamentous
attachments of the stomach. The acute form begins with bloating, either from
swallowed air or fermentation of stomach contents
Chronic torsions may occur without bloating, following relaxation of gastric
ligaments
Whilst megasophagus is a disease commonly recognised in the same breeds as
GDV, (specifically in the German Shepherd Dog) there is NO clear association
of GDV secondary to primary megaoesophagus. Nevertheless dogs with GDV often
develop secondary oesophageal problems
The bloated stomach has a natural tendency to twist, leading to
cardiovascular compromise, shock, and death
Historical factors such as exercise, temperament, speed of eating, gender,
and neutering are now considered to be unimportant.
Whilst body weight, chest conformation, once daily feeding, kennelling,
climatic factors, fearful disposition, and car journeys are known
precipitating factors
A dry diet has been incriminated but may be an innocent factor as a number
of the affected breeds are frequently fed such diets for
economic/convenience reasons. Indeed a diet containing large particle size
may be protective.
It is agreed that aggressive fluid therapy, and gastric decompression are
CRUCIAL steps in emergency treatment, but what constitutes the best surgical
approach is confused by ancedotal reports of splenic and pyloric surgery
affecting the long term outcome. Further more,there are numerous methods of
fixing the stomach anatomically (known as Gastroplexy). Which method is best
is debated by surgeons, but it is clear that gastroplexy is important in
REDUCING, although not abolishing, recurrence.....unquote
Other gastric problems mentioned included GASTRIC ULCERs. Whilst rare in the
dog, with the exception following the use of non-steroidal (asprin like)
anti-inflammatory medicines frequently prescribed for arthritic conditions
in dogs. Whilst some NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) are safer
than others, they ALL have the potential to cause internal bleeding with
serious consequences. Any Long term use of the non-steroidal drugs must be
accompanied with gastroprotectant drugs and this also applies to steroid
medication frequently prescribed for the treatment of auto-immune conditions
The rarity of spontaneous gastric ulcers in dogs is perhaps surprising given
that the canine frequently harbours a similar gastric infection with spiral
bacteria (helicobacter) to man, in whom these organisms have been
incriminated as causing gastritis, ulcers and even gastric tumours
Malignant gastric tumours are rare in the dog, which is fortunate as they
are almost invariably fatal |
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