So sad!

[Kris and Sawyer]

My frend lost their sweet labradoodle, Luke, last night to bloat! He was only 4 years old. Just a reminder to know the warning signs and take note of preventatives.

Hope this link works. I can't remember if I can just paste the link:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs-life-threate...

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Kris, I am so very sorry. Thank you for reminding all of us of the symptoms of bloat.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Kris, I am so sorry for your friend.  Rest in peace sweet Luke!  Thanks for the information on Bloat!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am very sorry to hear this. Bloat can happen to any dog at any time, and it's so important to know what to do if it does.

This is the best veterinary article I have found on the signs, symptoms, what to do, and how to prevent it:

Bloat: The Mother of All Emergencies

All dog owners should keep dimethicone (Gas-X) on hand. It might buy you a little time so you can make it to the ER. 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I'm so sorry for your friend -- how awful.  Bloat is something that terrifies me.  I read the webmd article and the writeup that Karen posted, as well.  I'm going to simplify, but basically, the first article says to limit water for an hour before and after meals, and the second one says to provide water before and after meals. So, which is true???

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Veterinary Partner website is one that JD's specialist recommended to me, so I tend to trust their info. 

I do know that the risk of bloat is increased if dry foods that contain citric acid are moistened, so that may be where the idea of limiting water comes from. But very few better quality foods contain citric acid. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Okay, I just read a bit more on the subject, and basically it seems that normal water consumption is good, but drinking a large amount of water at once, especially after a meal, is bad.  

[Kris and Sawyer]

I wonder what is considered normal and large? Sawyer always has a drink of water after he eats. Sometimes longer than others...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't worry about it. There is no clear risk factor and you will know if it's excessive. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear this and it is a good reminder.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

So sad.  I am always so worried about this.  In the back of my mind, anyway.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sad.  I'm very sorry for your friend.   Really, this could be any of us at any time.  I worry a lot about this and try my best to monitor play and food.

On another note, I once tried to make my, At Home. bloat kit.  I asked for IV tubing when a local vet discouraged me from trying anything at home.  She said, most vets no longer tube the dogs because they found it really makes no difference.  Surgery, is the only answer.

I told her I was 20-25 minutes from the ER and my vet's office.  

She said, if I were this worried I should have the stomach tacked.  

Who has ever had the dog's stomach tacked beforehand??

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

A couple years ago, when I had Wally at an emergency vet for a stomach issue (not bloat) on the Cape, the vet suggested that if Wally ever needed abdominal surgery, that I should ask that they tack his stomach as a preventive measure to protect him from bloat. She made the recommendation based on his long and narrow chest. She said that she would never schedule that type of procedure in and of itself, but if his abdomen was already open for another surgery, then it would be a good idea to do a prophylactic stomach tack.