Quick Reference Bloat Guide
Akitas are generally robust and healthy, but some issues have been known to occur. Following are some health issues that an Akita may encounter:
Bloat (Gastric Torsion) is a life-threatening emergency.
While this should not be considered medical advice, here is a chart to help explain what to watch for and what to do:
| QUICK REFERENCE | GDV GUIDE | FOR GDV BLOAT | EMERGENCY VET | NUMBER: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circumstances: | What Is Happening | What The Dog Does | What You Should Do | Treatment |
| Stress Excitement Vigorous Exercise Large Meals Long Drink Swallowed Air Familial Tendency |
Stomach function is normal.
Gas accumulates in the |
Dog behaves as usual.
Seems slightly uncomfortable. |
Keep the dog quiet; Do not leave the dog alone; Give Antacid if the vet agrees.
Be award of Phase I symptoms. |
During this period the dog may recover without going on to develop Gastric Volvulus. |
| PHASE I GDV | Stomach starts to dilate. (Gastric Dilatation) |
Anxious, restless, pacing; Trying to vomit-may bring up stiff white foam but no food; Salivating; Abdomen may be swollen. |
Call your vet, tell him what you suspect and why.
Take the dog to the vet without further delay. |
During this period the dog may recover if your vet releases the pressure with a stomach tube. |
| PHASE II GDV | Blood supply to part of the stomach is cut off. Stomach tissue is damaged. Portal vein, vena cava and splenic vein become compressed and twisted. Spleen becomes engorged. Shock begins to develop. |
Very restless; whining & panting; Salivating copiously; Tries to vomit every 2-3 min; Stands with legs apart & head hanging down; Abdomen swollen & sounds hollow if tapped; Gums dark red; Heart rate 80 - 100 beats / min; Temperature raised (104 degrees F) |
Get someone to tell your vet you are on your way and why.
Take the dog to the vet as quickly as possible. |
During this period the vet will need to relieve the stomach pressure, start an intravenous drip and perform surgery to untwist the stomach. |
| PHASE III GDV | Spleen and stomach tissue become Necrotic.
Shock now very severe. Heart failure develops. Shock now irreversible. Death. |
Unable to stand or stands shakily with legs apart; Abdomen very swollen; Breathing shallow; Gums white or blue; Heart rate over 100 beats / minute; Pulse very weak;Temperature drops to (98 degrees f). |
Death is imminent.
Get someone to tell your vet you are on your way and why. Take the dog to the vet as quickly as possible. |
As well as doing everything above, the vet will need to remove part of the stomach and spleen. He will also need to use powerful drugs to counteract shock.
It is no longer possible to save the dog's life. |
Auto-immune disease:
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