StevieandSally

Good Lordy, cant find anything about giving oil to dogs but in case you need it here is one for sheep... http://lavenderfleece.com/bloat.html I have to go now hope you have a peaceful night with no dramas !

MORE... What are the symptoms of Bloat? GDV begins with a variety of symptoms. If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, you should be alert to the possibility of bloat and take appropriate action: Gagging, unproductive attempts to vomit Foamy/slimy mucous around mouth and lips (or vomiting this substance) Distended (hard) abdomen that sounds hollow when thumped Accelerated heartbeat and a weakened pulse Anxiety or restlessness, whining Pacing, refusal to lie down Heavy panting, salivating or drooling Discolored gums (very red in early stages, blue or white in late stages) Weakness and collapse When it comes to bloat, time is of the essence. Depending on a number of factors – most of which are out of your control – your dog could have as little as 30 to 45 minutes to live after you identify the symptoms. What are the causes of Bloat? The short answer is that nobody really knows what causes bloat. We used to hear that GDV is caused by vigorous exercise after a large meal. The rationale was that running and jumping causes an overly heavy, bulky stomach to twist around in the abdomen. Although this was once a commonly accepted explanation, there has been no scientific evidence to support the theory. In fact, most bloat victims do not have overly full stomachs, nor have they recently engaged in strenuous activities. More recent theories suggest that for reasons unknown, the stomach's contractions lose their regular rhythm. Food, air and gas is then trapped in the stomach, and this leads to torsion. But the bottom line is this: No definitive cause of bloat has yet been identified. (Personally, I would still prevent any dog from ingesting large amounts of food or water and I would restrict vigorous exercise for an hour or two after eating.) The following factors may influence whether or not your dog experiences a bloat episode: Rapid eating, or ingesting a large amount of food in one session – Instead, feed smaller meals 2 or 3 times a day Drinking too much water before or after eating – Monitor or ration the amount of water ingested before and after a meal Vigorous exercise before and after eating – Monitor and limit your dog's activities before and after meals Feeding a low quality dog food – Feed a quality meat-based dog food with natural preservatives – Consider adding probiotics or enzymes to your dog's diet – Or feed a raw diet (B.A.R.F.) Feeding gas-producing foods – Avoid soybean products, brewer's yeast Emotional Disposition (possessing an anxious or fearful temperament) – Know your dog; a "sensitive" dog may be more vulnerable to bloat Stress (changes in normal routine, travel, boarding, etc.) – If your dog seems prone to stress, minimize stressful situations Heredity (having a close relative that has bloated) – Bloat seems more prevalent in some lines, indicating a genetic predisposition Physical Build (large dog, deep narrow chest) – Keep your Dane at a healthy weight, neither overweight nor underweight Age – Older dogs are more likely to bloat than younger dog

Hi CM Do you have any mylanta ? Dont know much about bloat but I think it is more a condition that can happen to an 'particular' individual, not neccessarily just because of over eating, Have you done a search & found any info CM? edited to add Im wondering if she will need some type of oil given , I will try now and find that on search.

Cant find any more relevant info, seems like CM is gone now so hope every thing is ok, I also found a site on how to de bloat a goat and it said stuff about not giving water but if you need that one its here... http://kinne.net/bloat.htm let us know how you get on CM hope all is ok *hugs*

Symptoms ! Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right. Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom" Doesn't act like usual self Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs Significant anxiety and restlessness One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance This seems to occur fairly frequently Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum) Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent Pale or off-color gums Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy Coughing Unproductive gagging Heavy salivating or drooling Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous Unproductive attempts to defecate Whining Pacing Licking the air Seeking a hiding place Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort May refuse to lie down or even sit down May stand spread-legged May attempt to eat small stones and twigs Drinking excessively Heavy or rapid panting Shallow breathing Cold mouth membranes Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance Especially in advanced stage Accelerated heartbeat Heart rate increases as bloating progresses Weak pulse Collapse

Thats what Im trying to find out CM.. I would suspect not but we need some help here as Im no speed reader !! BTW this is the link to above info if you need the page it maybe easier to read that way.. http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/bloat.html

HEY CM I found this article, but I will go look for some more !!!!! .............. Gastric Torsion/Bloat in Dogs with information taken from Carlson & Giffon (This article is dedicated to Hershey, a chocolate Labrador who died of Gastric Torsion. If even one person learns about this disorder and takes precautions, his death will not be in vain.) If you own a deep chested dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Akita or Great Dane you must be made aware of Gastric Torsion or commonly referred to as Bloat. Bloat is caused by too much gas or fluid in the stomach. This gas can extend the stomach causing gastric dilation. If the stomach partially rotates its called gastric torsion. If it fully rotates its called gastric volvolus. Each can be a life threatening problem. BLOAT FACTS: Dogs with bloat nearly always are between four and seven years of age. Two-thirds are males. It usually affects dogs of the larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, and others of large size (58 pounds was the average size in one study) It rarely occurs in small breeds. Dogs who bloat tend to eat large quantities of dry kibble. They exercise vigorously after eating and tend to drink water in large amounts after meals. They may have a history of digestive upsets (gastritis). There may be a familial association with other dogs who have bloated. SIGNS OF GASTRIC DILATION The signs are excessive salivation and drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defecate, evidence of abdominal pain (the dog whines and groans when you push on the stomach wall) and abdominal distention. Its important to know the history of the dog. Has it eaten recently? Drunk water? Has it been running or exercising within 2-3 hours of eating? If the dog is able to burp or vomit you can usually rest assured that the gut is not twisted. This can be treated at home. Give Mylanta by mouth. Dosage for a small dog is 6 ounces; Medium dog is 8 ounces; large dog 12 ounces. Make sure you walk the dog after giving the Mylanta until the bloat is relieved or until you can contact a veterinarian. If the bloat is relieved at home, it would still be a good idea to contact your vet to let them know the dog bloated. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. THIS COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH FOR YOUR DOG. Once a dog bloats, it will usually bloat again in the future. SIGNS OF TORSION OR VOLVULUS The initial signs are the same for Gastric Dilation except more severe. The distress is more evident. There could be rapid breathing, pale gums and the dog may collapse. The shock like symptoms are due to the strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. Surgery is needed to relieve a torsion or volvulus. The chance of a recurrence is about 15 percent. PREVENTION Knowing of this problem is the first part of prevention. Feed several small meals throughout the day (at LEAST 2) instead of one big meal. Keep the dog quiet at LEAST one hour before and at LEAST 2 hours after a meal. This means no roughhousing or playing. If the dog usually gets rambuncious after a meal, crate this animal. Monitor and restrict the water intake of the dog before and especially after a meal. The dog should not drink after eating dry kibble. Therefore, it is best to thoroughly soak the kibble for at least 30 minutes before feeding this to the dog. Try not to feed a kibble which expands greatly when wet. Do the kibble test overnight. Put a cup of kibble in a bowl. Add water and let soak over night. What you see in the morning is the amount of swelling this food will do in your dog's stomach. If its excessive, change to another kibble which doesn't swell as much. Always keep Mylanta on hand. These measures may prevent some cases of bloat but will not prevent all cases. Being aware might be the difference between life and death for your dog. OTHER ARTICLES ONLINE: Bloat First Aid http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/medi...ation_and_bloat http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/vad/cae/bnaprwb.htm http://www.vetinfo.com/dbloat.html#Gastric dilitation/volvulus http://www.eclipse.net/~bobaloo/bloat.htm http://www.animalclinic.com/bloat.htm http://www.vethospital.com/gdv.htm Dr. Carlson & Dr. Giffin's book "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" is available through Amazon Online. http://www.amazon.com © 1998 - LRM <----Back to Articles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site Menu | Contact the owner

Do you think shes had much water too ?

Thanks for the tip t-time. This only started up recently. I am lucky with this poodle as I know that they can suffer with teeh problems (according to the vets Ive meet) Ive been to a few vets with her, she is only three but they are always amazed how great her teeth are! I guess this is because she has been raised on raw meaty bones, hope it doesnt go backwards with the kibble tho.

I have a pack of puppy supercoat here and it has ingredients as meat and meat by products from chicken and beef. No mention of soy bean here for protien, but it has sorgum as a cereal ...Not sure if that is soy based tho ? Im on a strict budget atm, so instead of spending a lot more on the premium brands I usually get, I decided to get Supercoat for both the dogs and the cats. I am stunned at how much they all love the stuff ! Even my finicky boy loves it and he is impossible to please at most times ! I have to say I like the way they clearly mark the protien level on the front of the pack so it is easy to pick what you want, ... plus it has omega 3 & 6 ! Mine have barf too but now that you mention it I HAVE noticed a bit of bad breath on my poodle lately so now I suspect it probably is related to having the supercoat as I have never noticed it on her before ! .. shame tho ;) otherwise it seems good to me for the money.

Yep thats basically what Im doing Jeanne. As you know Im an avid barfer but (and I had all this in the post I lost ) it was great with my first boy but this one just didnt thrive so I had to add something extra and the average kibble just didnt do the trick. I dont mix raw with the kibble either, dont think thats wise but I guess if you lightly cooked or warmed the mince and added it to any kibble, that would be great for buiding up and he could have a nice yummy warm dinner he would be tempted to eat. (Mine is a fussy eater) Your right about the ratio to methinks one might as well get the highest level of protien in the bag tho for the money, you can always balance it out with other things. My boy wont touch much fresh stuff tho The other boy would sit down with me in the arvo and share an orange and some water melon I have never heard of satin balls..got me intrigued tho. Hope she gets to the bottom of why he is shaking tho ;)

HAHAHAHAHA!! Thats soooo funny to picture that! I just luv Danes.!

Just lost my whole post so wont type it all again, but in short it all depends on the dog. i had to resort to Eagle pack power which is 30 % protien to help my large breed who just was not thriving. It also helped his littermate who was thin. There is a cheaper version of an almost Eaglepack equivelent made in Oz which is Alacarte. If you want the link let me know.

:D Good news Raine!!!

haha! yep its funny to see their first reaction to raw food :rolleyes: good luck with it, hope its all sorted out soon!