Winston's Experience is a Warning for Dog Owners

Hannah Williams, veterinary surgeon at Pet Doctors, Shirley has warned owners of large dog breeds to be aware of a potentially fatal condition after saving a 92kg Mastiff, Winston, owned by the Thomason family from Southampton.  Gastric  Dilatation or ‘bloat’ occurs when the stomach distends with gas and may also twist on itself trapping the gas in the stomach.

The family noticed that Winston was feeling uncomfortable and that his stomach was bloating after his evening meal on 21 September 2009.  He was taken to an emergency vet that evening and had stomach surgery the next morning at Pet Doctors in Shirley to relieve the gas which had built up inside him.

According to Hannah, Gastric Dilatation is a condition which can develop in any dog but larger breeds are particularly susceptible.   What triggers it is not entirely clear but it’s often linked to eating large meals and which cause the stomach to dilate until neither food nor gas can be expelled.   The increased pressure and size of the stomach can cause further serious health problems which can be fatal.

“We could tell there was something seriously wrong with Winston that evening,” comments Sheelagh Thomason:   “He looked anxious and uncomfortable and his stomach blew up dramatically.  We were very worried about him so took him straight to Pet Doctors.

“We’d never heard of Gastric Dilatation but understand from Hannah that it’s not uncommon.  She’s given us some good advice on how to avoid a recurrence and we’re just delighted to have Winston safely home again.”

Hannah Williams said:  “Winston had a lucky escape as his owners acted quickly in bringing him to us.  Around 20-30% of dogs with this condition die as the pressure builds up in the stomach cutting off the blood supply with potentially fatal consequences.  The process happens even more quickly if the stomach twists as well as dilating.

 "There are a few precautions that owners of susceptible breeds can take in order to prevent this condition.  They include feeding smaller meals at least twice a day, rather than one big meal; avoiding exercise and stress one hour before and two hours after feeding and avoiding large drinks after meals.

"The most important point is that if owners think their dog is showing any signs of bloat, they should seek advice from their vet straight away."

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