Understanding Dog Bloat: Causes and Prevention
Dog owners are deeply fearful of this condition, which is essentially known as "intussusception," a term that describes a situation where a portion of the dog's intestine flips and becomes trapped within another part of the intestine. This inversion can lead to a disruption in blood circulation, making it highly susceptible to necrosis and adhesions. Moreover, it can obstruct the intestines, causing a buildup of decomposing and fermenting contents that produce harmful substances, which are then absorbed by the dog's body.
Intussusception is directly caused by a disorder in the intestinal motility. In adjacent sections of the intestine, one segment may excessively expand while another contracts intensely, making the contracted segment prone to being pulled into the expanded one. Once it's inside, if it doesn't retract, it results in intussusception, colloquially referred to as "twisted gut." Any factor that can disrupt intestinal motility can potentially lead to this condition, and there are numerous such factors.
Some infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, can cause intestinal motility disorders. For instance, the common canine parvovirus and coronavirus can lead to intussusception in the later stages of the disease, with a high mortality rate. Parasites like dog roundworms and whipworms can secrete toxins that disrupt gastrointestinal function and motility, increasing the risk of intussusception. Certain medications can also induce abnormal intestinal movements.
In addition, other diseases that prevent a dog from eating, such as gastrointestinal emptiness due to fasting, cold stimuli, or changes in feed, can trigger the onset of intussusception. The diagnosis of twisted gut can be made based on clinical symptoms like vomiting, arching the back, abdominal contraction, groaning, and abdominal pain, as well as the passage of greasy, sticky feces.
If the invagination is short and the time is not prolonged, it may be possible to gently push the invaginated segment back out through the dog's abdominal wall. If the diagnosis indicates that the invagination is from the front to the back, an enema can be used to push the invaginated segment out with the pressure of the infused liquid. Typically, a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution is used for the enema, with the volume usually ranging from 1000 to 3000 mL, depending on the dog's size. Enemas can be repeated as needed. Additionally, gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxants such as atropine and belladonna preparations can be administered to alleviate spasms.
Most dogs diagnosed with the condition have been ill for some time, and the invagination has likely caused adhesions, edema, or necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. In such cases, immediate surgical intervention is necessary. During surgery, it's crucial to ensure adequate fluid replacement, strengthen the heart, and promptly correct any electrolyte imbalances.
