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Bloat - Genetic Link Suspected

According to one study, a Standard Poodle has a one in three chance of developing Bloat. A strong genetic link is suspected because the likelihood of Bloat increases significantly if a sibling or parent has bloated.

Bloat is a life threatening disease caused by a rapid accumulation of air in the stomach, commonly accompanied by malposition or rotation of the stomach and adjacent organs.

Size and structure of the dog are the two biggest factors that contribute to bloat. Large dogs with a deep and narrow chest are at greater risk, and the risk increases as the dog ages.

Factors That May Increase The Risk Of Bloat.

Temperament
Poodles that are fearful, stressed, or nervous are more at risk than dogs who are happy and easy going.
Genetics
The likelihood of bloat increases significantly if a parent or sibling has bloated, although no specific genes have been identified.
Fast Eating
The cause of bloat is the swallowing of air, so the faster a dog eats, the more air he takes in.
Fed Only Once A Day
A Standard Poodle, who only eats once a day, has to eat a larger volume of food at one time. This can result in stretching of the stomach.
Fed Only Dry Food
A diet of only dry food seems to be a factor.
Age
As the dog ages, the chest becomes deeper and may facilitate stretching of the ligaments that hold the stomach in place.

Owners of Standard Poodles may be able to minimize the risk of Bloat by:

  • Feeding smaller, multiple meals a day.
  • Reducing the speed at which the dog eats.
  • Adding a small amount of canned food to the diet.
  • Using an elevated food bowl.

Symptoms Of Bloat

Signs of bloat are not always obvious to the dog owner. The development of Bloat may come on suddenly and be severe, or develop slowly over a period of 8 to 12 hours.

As Bloat progresses, the dog often becomes weak and prostrate as it goes into shock. The gums will turn white, then gray.

Not all dogs will show swelling of the abdomen. If you suspect Bloat, seek immediate veterinary attention!

About 25 percent of dogs that bloat will die. For dogs that have surgical treatment, the reoccurrence rate is less than 5 percent, without surgical treatment, nearly all dogs will have a reoccurrence of Bloat.