Bloat, known in the medical community as gastric dilation/volvolus or GDV, is a condition in which the stomach becomes enlarged due to a buildup of gas or air (dilation) and in the more serious cases becomes twisted (volvolus), cutting off the blood supply to the stomach, organs and heart. Volvolus, if not detected and treated quickly, will soon cause tissue death and then a heart attack and death.

We want to inform as many people as possible about bloat, how to determine if your dog fits the high-risk profile, ways to reduce the risk, and what to do if you suspect that your dog has bloated. We have an article that explains all these topics and more, and we want to make it available to everyone who would benefit from the information it contains. We have put it on an MS Word document that can be easily e-mailed, and will send it to anyone who would like a copy. We just ask that you send it to any dog owners on your e-mail list and ask them to forward it to their friends. Any rescue groups or vet clinics that want to use it for a handout to people with dogs that may be at risk are free to do so.

Our only concern is for people to learn about this problem and be aware of the danger. So many dogs could be saved from a painful death if only the owner knew about bloat and knew what to do.

You can help save a dog or many dogs from an early death by helping to spread the word.