The following advice is a guideline and may not apply to your circumstances. Always consult a Vet where possible.
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‘Bloat’ or gastric dilatation is when the stomach fills up with gas like a balloon. GDV is life threatening because it prevents blood in the veins returning to the heart and causes the stomach wall to die – these result in shock and death if something is not done quickly. Great Danes are one of several deep chested breeds that are predisposed to torsion.
Death is almost certain unless the owners recognise the symptoms and rush the dog to the Vet immediately!
Bloat is a true emergency – be prepared to drive to the Veterinary surgery straight away!
The chance of survival decreases alarmingly if you delay getting the dog to surgery more than 60 – 90 minutes after the first signs.
So, whether you are about to catch a plane, serve a meal or go to bed…
Instead take your dog immediately to the Vet. It will relieve great pain and could save your dog’s life.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle. It affects humans, dogs, cats, cows, and other species. In dogs, it is known to occur in several pedigree dog breeds with more frequency than others. Predisposed breeds include the Great Dane, Dobermann, Newfoundland, and Irish Wolfhound. In these breeds, DCM can be inherited in family lines.
As the name suggests, DCM results in thinning of the heart muscle, with gradual dilatation and rounding of the heart chambers. This means that the heart is unable to pump efficiently and so the dog starts to show signs of heart failure.
The heart is a muscular pump, made up of four chambers. The two atria, or receiving chambers, receive blood from the body (right side of the heart) or the lungs (left side of the heart). The blood moves during one heartbeat from the atria into the ventricles, or pumping chambers. One-way valves between the atria and the ventricles stop blood from leaking back in the wrong direction (i.e. from ventricles to atria). It is especially important for heart function that the muscular walls of the heart, the electrical activity of the heart and the valves within the heart are working properly.
The charity’s purpose is to provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of Great Danes.
The charity’s purpose is to provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of Great Danes.
The charity’s purpose is to provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of Great Danes.
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