Bloat

[Luvs]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss!

Just like with my horses & colic, bloat really scares me. There are so many different things that can cause it

[qhawkins]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost Thor to bloat when he was 10 1/2. I researched bloat after that and found lots of theories but no real answers. The Purdue study hints at some possible factors, but isn't really definitive as it is simply a statistical study of a small sampling of show dogs. Of all the theoretical causes for bloat, none of them applied in Thor's case. He hadn't just eaten or drank water, he wasn't exercising, and hadn't been romping. It's a terrible thing and I know how helpless you feel, just know it probably was just one of those random things that happen and you didn't do anything wrong. Cherish your memories of those 10 yrs you were blessed with his company.

[Karinka200]

I am sorry for you loss. Don't second guess yourself...or your actions. You loved and cared for your dog and the bloat was not an intentional act by you. ...I am really sorry for your loss.....

The speed and sudden appearance of this condition scares me as well. Our Mack is notorious for wanting to drink large amounts of water fast at any one time...after exercising, eating a bone, eating a meal, whatever. (He's a lab...very deep chested). So we need to keep the water bowl only about a third full at a time. And even then, when he drinks, I nudge him, away tell him "easy", after a few gulps and make him stop and rest before continuing. If he consumes all of the water, I won't fill the bowl again for about 20 minutes. I always worry that he won't get enough hydration as he doesn't drink throughout the day like most animals...he just seens to want to get it all at once. But, I worry about bloat too....so...it's always in the back of my mind.

My sympathies to you....

[Alaskan]

Thank You for the perdue study link. I do feel better after hearing your own stories and now knowing that bloat can be unpredictable and all we can do is take all of the precautions and hope for the best.

My malamute acts depressed and isn't his usual self but we are starting to work on finding him another black/tan buddy. I'll keep everyone updated on the search and try to post pics (when I learn how to download them) when we get our new little guy.

It's so heart warming but doesn't come as a suprise to me to see so many step foreward to offer their advice, stories and sympathies over my my loss of cerberus. Thank you all so much.