Symptoms & Treatment for Dog Bloat: What to Do!
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Section 1: Symptoms of Dog Bloat
1. Enteritis Type:
The incubation period for naturally acquired cases of dog bloat is typically 7 to 14 days. Initially, the dog may exhibit symptoms such as fever, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, accompanied by a lack of energy and decreased appetite. Vomiting often begins, with the first vomit consisting of food, followed by a slimy liquid and a yellowgreen substance. Diarrhea usually starts within a day, with the stool becoming loose and resembling porridge. The feces may turn a tomato sauce or coffee color, emitting a foul odor. Dogs suffering from bloody diarrhea may show signs of sunken eyes, dry nose, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Their conjunctivae may appear pale, and they may suffer from severe anemia.
2. Blood Changes:
One of the most pronounced signs of dog bloat is a dramatic decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit, as well as a reduction in white blood cells. The white blood cell count can drop to 6090%. Initially, vomiting may contain food particles and mucus, followed by yellowgreen or bloodtinged material. Diarrhea typically begins a day later, with the stool becoming watery and, as the condition worsens, taking on a coffee or tomato saucelike appearance. The stool may have a strong odor, and the dog may experience urgency and tenesmus. Within a few hours of bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration symptoms may appear, including sunken eyes, dry nose, decreased skin elasticity, and significant weight loss. In cases of severe intestinal bleeding, the dog may succumb to endotoxemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, leading to shock and possible death. With timely and appropriate treatment, the mortality rate for dogs with parvovirusinduced enteritis can be significantly reduced.
3. Myocarditis Type:
This type is more common in puppies. Some dogs may exhibit respiratory distress, heart failure, and sudden death, while others may die after experiencing mild diarrhea.
Section 2: Treatment for Dog Bloat
1. Antibody Support:
Supporting the dog's immune system with canine convalescent serum and canine parvovirus hyperimmune serum is crucial. Treatments include immunoglobulins, Qiangli Can, Erlian Wang, Erlian Gaojyuan Serum, and canine parvovirus monoclonal antibodies. Early treatment tends to yield the best clinical outcomes.
2. Symptomatic Treatment:
Addressing symptoms such as bleeding, vomiting, and dehydration, as well as preventing secondary infections. Correcting dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and acidbase balance is essential when the dog is experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Antimicrobial and Antiinflammatory Therapy:
Using broadspectrum antibiotics like ceftriaxone, cefamandole, and clindamycin phosphate in the early stages of the disease. When administering hyperimmune serum, it's important to use cardiac stimulants, fluid resuscitation agents, antibiotics, antiinflammatory agents, antishock agents, and enhanced nursing care to improve the chances of recovery. It's crucial not to use antiinflammatory drugs for an extended period, as this can disrupt the normal gut flora and delay the recovery of digestive function.
4. Antiemetic Therapy:
For dogs with severe vomiting, intramuscular injections of Amonol Canine or Gaianfu may be administered.
5. Antishock Treatment:
For dogs with obvious shock symptoms, intramuscular injections of dexamethasone (Flumethasone) 515 mg or 0.31 ml of hydrochloric acid sodium sphenopalatine may be given.
6. Oral Rehydration:
When a dog is not eating but shows signs of thirst or appetite, oral rehydration salts can be administered.
For more information on canine parvovirus, click here to read about Preventing Canine Parvovirus.
This revised version aims to provide a more detailed and readerfriendly account of the symptoms and treatments for dog bloat.