Bloat is a condition in which a dog accumulates so much gas and/or food in his stomach that the distension of the stomach causes it to rotate, resulting in the closing off of the blood supply to the stomach as well as any possible escape routes (i.e. vomiting or defecation/flatulence) for the gas within the stomach.
My sister has an older dog who is prone to stress, irritability, and anxiousness. The dog eats very rapidly and is underweight. All of these conditions are risk factors. Late last night, my sister found the dog, who usually sleeps inside the house overnight, to be restless, and she thought the dog needed to be let out to relieve herself. She did notice that the dog's belly seemed to be distended, however she did not realize the gravity of the situation. She put the dog out into the fenced back garden, and then left her there when the dog did not want to return inside, thinking that the dog's stomach was upset and she merely preferred to stay outside for the night. Sadly, this morning, the dog was lying lifeless in the yard.
Of course my sister is guilt-ridden, and as I tried to console her I did some online research into bloat and its symptoms. I was shocked at the many risk factors (of which I was unaware) and the exceedingly rapid veterinary treatment necessary to successfully treat the condition.
If you are a dog owner and are not familiar with this condition or its risk factors and symptoms, please have a look at some of the following links:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=672
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/bloat
http://www.critterchatter.com/health/142-bloat.html
While I had been aware of the existence of the condition of bloat (many probably are since it was featured in the book Marley and Me) , I had no idea that feeding dogs from elevated dishes and feeding only a diet of dry kibble could put a dog at risk. I had also previously thought that the condition was linked to large breeds, and my research today showed me that my Boston terrier, a small brachycephalic breed, is also at risk due to her increased air intake during feeding. This information has made me rethink my choice of food type and method of feeding her, and I will be discussing the issue with my vet as soon as possible.
I will add (in what is an echo to the wise words of EF canine guru melloncollie) that it is imperative that a dog owner have an emergency vet contact in case a dog comes down with symptoms overnight or on the weekend, when the regular vet cannot be reached.
I know there are many, many dog owners/lovers on this site, and I hope this info helps them be better prepared to recognize this bona fide canine emergency.