Health - Bloat / Gastric Torsion

Most breeds have some health problems its one of the negatives of having a pure breed dog, the Weimaraner is no different. All Weimaraner owners should be aware of this condition.

Like many large breeds with deep chests the weimaraner suffers from a condition called 'Bloat' which is life threatening & requires the immediate attention of your vet. If you recognise the symptoms in your dog

DON'T WAIT! ACT IMMEDIATELY!

Your dogs life is literally in your hands & the faster you can get treatment the more chance you have of saving your dogs life.

There are some basics which are recommended for breeds that suffer with this condition like breaking the meals up into at least two per day rather than one large meal so that the stomach is not overloaded with food. Not to feed your dog shortly before or shortly after exercise as this increases the risks, leave at least an hour or longer if you can. Do not allow too large a quantity of water to be consumed before or after exercising, a small drink is sufficient & damping down around the neck & pressure points will help to cool your dog if they are overheating, a wet towel around the neck is ideal for this. There is also a recommendation that dried kibble type foods are damped down to reduce the risks.

There is an excellent article that was published in the WCGB Magazine Autumn 2007 that is worth reading, printing & putting up on your wall - it really could save your dogs life! The article is republished on the club website, links to both pages can be found at the bottom of this page.

Symptoms - Any of the following could be symptoms of bloat:

• restlessness, pacing up & down & behaving abnormally, perhaps wanting to go out in the night,

• unsuccessful attempts to vomit, or the dog just brings up small amounts of foam,

• excessive salivation (drooling),

• lack of normal stomach gurgles (listen by placing your ear to dogs side),

• dog may stand hunched up, or stands spread-legged, but some dogs may hide, curled up in corner,

• drinking excessively,

• panting,

• pale gums,

• abdominal distension, especially on lower left side, with abdomen firm & drum-like,

• abdominal pain,

• collapse.

Some dogs do vomit early in the morning, if you give a very small feed or treat shortly before bed this can help reduce the problem. There are also commercial products that help to reduce wind & bloated stomachs in people that may buy a little time that are worth investigating but always seek the advice of your vet before you consider adding these products to your home first aid kit.