Riley

As the owners of a weimaraner, Ross and I were aware that the breed was more included to bloat. Bloat is a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content. It is also commonly referred to as torsion, gastric torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) when the stomach is also twisted. The word bloat is often used as a general term to cover gas distension of the stomach with or without twisting. In dogs, gas accumulation in the stomach is usually associated with volvulus of the stomach, which prevents gas from escaping. Deep-chested breeds are especially at risk. Mortality rates from bloat in dogs range from 10 to 60 percent, even with treatment. Bloat is more common in deep chested breeds - which obviously include weimaraners.  Since we work with the IWR, I hear stories about dogs passing away from bloat on a regular basis. Sadly it’s common but as responsible dog owners it’s good to be educated and prepared in case an episode ever presents itself.

On Saturday morning I took Riley for a long walk out at Raccoon River Park. Although it was hot outside, I figured we wouldn’t have a problem with the 3.1 mile trail. I packed three bottles of water (and a bowl) in the car for our return – 2 bottles for Riley and 1 for me! The walk was hot and by the time we got to the car Riley just wanted to lay down. She took a little sip of water and then I poured some on her paws, chest and back before we drove home. When we arrived at home Riley had a difficult time walking – I think she was overheated from the heat – so I put her in the shower and let the cold water bring down her body temperate. Once her core temperature cooled down she was thirsty! I let her drink out of the shower facet (her favorite place to get a drink). The poor girl was dehydrated!

Only a short while later Ross and I noticed that Riley was acting strange – she kept shifting her weight. She looked uncomfortable and her hind legs were in a strange position. Finally the lights went off in our head when Ross commented she looked bloated – her stomach bulged on both sides! We immediately called the vet but the next appointment wasn’t for 90 minutes. In the meantime I called Mandy, IWR’s director, to ask some additional signs about bloat. Mandy said we would likely hear a gurgling noise (from twisting). She also said that if she began vomiting we should take her in immediately. As soon as I hung up the phone Riley tossed her cookies. Ross immediately threw on her leash and took off for the vet while I stayed home with Harper.

The vet looked Riley over but couldn’t diagnose her without taking an xray (which the office did not have). So, Ross threw Riley back in the car and headed over to the ER Vet for an xray. The xray confirmed that Riley had bloated. But, the great news was that the stomach had not twisted. The ER admitted her and drained her stomach of the water and air. They kept her overnight on an IV and so they could observe her. We were very happy to pick her up on Sunday morning. Riley was very excited to see us. She happily spent the day recovering at home.

Recurrence of bloat attacks can be a problem, occurring in up to 80 percent of dogs treated medically only (without surgery). We were very lucky that Riley’s stomach didn’t twist but we don’t want to risk another episode so Riley Roo will be going under the knife in a few days. She will have a gastropexy in which they will suture the stomach to her abdominal wall.