questions about bloat

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I didn't want to start this discussion on Kari's about her experience and her loss of Ari.
I read what was written on what not to do. My question is about the raised bowls. Charli is 28" tall at her shoulder. For her to have a bowl on the floor she was to spread her front legs so wide it hurts me to watch her. The other 2 aren't as tall but for them to have their bowls on the floor doesn't make eating easy.
My doodles chew their food, will go over and get a little water and come back to finish their dinner

I appreciate your suggestions.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm going to run this by my vet next visit and ask him if Spud's chest indicates a watchful eye.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If it's like JD's I can tell you the answer is yes.

Here's a link from the Health & Medical group's discussion on bloat for an emergency bloat treatment that you can do yourself at home...if you can do this. F could, I don't know if I could. See for yourself, it could save your dog's life:

http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thanks. I'll get the kit made. I have some old aquarium tubing here.  Because this chest is so very pronounced and so is my love, I'll do what I can and know I did all I could. 

Geesh. Going to hug my dog

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Believe me, I know.

Where his paws are, that's still chest up there; they're resting on it. Like a mountain ridge, and narrow as can be.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes. Exactly.  I see it.  In it is skinny, like a molding ridge along the line. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna's chest looks like that too, but she's a smaller dog so once when we had a bloat scare the vet said it's "pretty unlikely" that she would get bloat. 

I've always found she has a deep chest for her size (though not super narrow), I thought was one of the main contributing factors, so we don't take chances.... Luna always rests for at least 45 minutes after eating and eats from a bowl on the floor.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Make sure the tubing not too narrow. I have some tubing and I keep meaning to cut it to a reasonable length. Also, I would think it would be best if the tubing was flexible but not too flexible. You want to be able to get it into the stomach but not perforate anything.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good idea because I looked at this aquirium tubing I have and it is thick and not very flexible. I think every time I see tubing again, I'll be thinking about this. I would love to see the specs as to size ( on phone so if mentioned I don't see it from here).

[F, Calla & Luca]

This are great detailed directions for the tubing and everything. It also advises having a kit at home and in the car. And how to soften the ends of the tubing.

BLOAT KIT

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This poor dog thinks I am nuts!

Mom, what are you doing and why are you taking pics in the middle of the night?

Forget the pic, I just can't get it but I know he does because I rub it each day

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Joanne is he yawning or does he sleep like that :) 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

He is yawning. The flash woke him up. Now, he is pacing around the house. Always let sleeping dogs alone.