Bloat is a dangerous illness that occurs in a variety of dog breeds including the Rhodesian Ridgeback. If you own a dog like the Rhodesian or a dog with a deep chest cavity (i.e. Rottweiler, Akitas, Boxers, Basset Hounds, etc.) talk to your vet about bloat and what to look for. Bloat is clinically known as Gastric Dilation-Volvulus and needs immediate treatment. The illness is often fatal even with treatment. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food or fluid causing the stomach to expand. The expansion occurs so much that the pressure causes blood flow to stop to vital organs and can damage the stomach lining. In fact, the stomach lining can actually tear causing difficulty breathing and may even cause the stomach can twist. This can also cause blood flow to stop to the heart which can cause shock. Your dog will need immediate surgery from your veterinarian Plano, TX.
