Health
This is a generally healthy, long-lived breed, often living to 13 or 14 years. As with most breeds, Briards used for breeding should have their hips x-rayed for hip dysplasia, a sometimes crippling disease of one or both hips.
That Bloated feeling…….
Bloat. What a horrible word. What a horrible feeling, to be bloated. A dog with bloat, now that's really unpleasant and in many cases, tragically fatal!
What is Canine Bloat?
Canine bloat is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released by the dog's intestinal system. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists.
Bloat, sometimes referred to as a twisted gut is a more serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the difficulties of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer. That's just HOW serious the condition is!
Worryingly, the exact cause of bloat is not commonly known. It's thought that excessive eating or drinking a lot of water followed by immediate vigorous exercise could certainly be a major contributing factor.
Exercise can cause food or fluid in the stomach to produce a build up of gas. The severity of the condition is increased when the stomach twists, causing the inlet and outlet of the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply the stomach to become constricted at both ends.
The Symptoms To Watch Out For
We're all hypochondriacs. We're just as anxious when it comes to our pets and no doubt every dog owner will recognise some of the symptoms of bloat from time to time. Usually we say, don't worry unduly or bother the vet with misguided apprehension about our pet's help.
With bloat, we make the exception. Early detection is absolutely critical to the dog's chance of survival. Never be too coy to at the very least call your vet and discuss possible symptoms, which are:
Anxiety and restlessness
Distended or bloated tummy (the stomach may even sound like a water-filled barrel when tapped)
Attempting to vomit or actual vomiting
Excessive drooling
Whining or general lethargy
Lack of appetite
Pale gums, dull eye colour
Increase in heart rate.
Difficulty in breathing or movement
The Causes
There are several possible contributing factors leading to bloat such as:
Stress and worry can create a build up of gasses in the stomach
Eating or drinking too fast
Exercise before or immediately after eating
Having a barrel-like chest (think Rottweiler, Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog etc).
Which Dogs are Most at Risk?
Canine bloat and GDV as a general rule tends to affect larger dogs but smaller dogs are still at risk. It is thought that some dogs are genetically more at risk than others and it's always a good idea to as the breeder who supplied your dog if there is a history of bloat in the line.
Though bloat can occur in puppies, it is very rare and the condition usually occurs in adult dogs. Male dogs are more likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs and these breeds in particular are thought to be the most vulnerable to the condition:
Briard, Dobermans, Boxers, Labradors
German Shepherd, Wolfhounds
Great Dane, Rottweiler, Setters.
Treatment
Every second is crucial and can be the difference between life and death. If picked up early enough, initial treatment will involve inserting a tube into the dog's stomach wall to release excess gas and if necessary, the vet may need to operate in an attempt to untwist the stomach. Consequent treatment may involve treating shock, dehydration, fatigue, and other complications resulting from the distension of the stomach.
Prevention
As there are so many possible causes for bloat, the exact one's still largely unknown, it is very difficult to prevent bloat in individual dogs. Each case is unique and must be treated on an individual basis. If you have a dog that may be at significant risk there are some measures you can take to minimise the risks.
Do not overfeed.
Feed smaller meals through the day if possible rather than one large one in the evening.
Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water immediately after eating a large meal. Try not to allow your dog to exercise vigorously either directly before or, more crucially, immediately after eating. Allow the food in their system to digest a little or let them have a short toilet break on a lead.
As is often the case, arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible about your dog and their lineage if at all possible could ultimately be a life saver.
Be prepared, be aware and never, ever underestimate the seriousness of the condition.
Briards were previously thought to have suffered with CPRA and have been tested for this condition accordingly. However in the last couple of years it has come to light that Briards have not had CPRA.
That Bloated feeling…….
Bloat. What a horrible word. What a horrible feeling, to be bloated. A dog with bloat, now that's really unpleasant and in many cases, tragically fatal!
What is Canine Bloat?
Canine bloat is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released by the dog's intestinal system. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists.
Bloat, sometimes referred to as a twisted gut is a more serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the difficulties of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer. That's just HOW serious the condition is!
Worryingly, the exact cause of bloat is not commonly known. It's thought that excessive eating or drinking a lot of water followed by immediate vigorous exercise could certainly be a major contributing factor.
Exercise can cause food or fluid in the stomach to produce a build up of gas. The severity of the condition is increased when the stomach twists, causing the inlet and outlet of the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply the stomach to become constricted at both ends.
The Symptoms To Watch Out For
We're all hypochondriacs. We're just as anxious when it comes to our pets and no doubt every dog owner will recognise some of the symptoms of bloat from time to time. Usually we say, don't worry unduly or bother the vet with misguided apprehension about our pet's help.
With bloat, we make the exception. Early detection is absolutely critical to the dog's chance of survival. Never be too coy to at the very least call your vet and discuss possible symptoms, which are:
Anxiety and restlessness
Distended or bloated tummy (the stomach may even sound like a water-filled barrel when tapped)
Attempting to vomit or actual vomiting
Excessive drooling
Whining or general lethargy
Lack of appetite
Pale gums, dull eye colour
Increase in heart rate.
Difficulty in breathing or movement
The Causes
There are several possible contributing factors leading to bloat such as:
Stress and worry can create a build up of gasses in the stomach
Eating or drinking too fast
Exercise before or immediately after eating
Having a barrel-like chest (think Rottweiler, Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog etc).
Which Dogs are Most at Risk?
Canine bloat and GDV as a general rule tends to affect larger dogs but smaller dogs are still at risk. It is thought that some dogs are genetically more at risk than others and it's always a good idea to as the breeder who supplied your dog if there is a history of bloat in the line.
Though bloat can occur in puppies, it is very rare and the condition usually occurs in adult dogs. Male dogs are more likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs and these breeds in particular are thought to be the most vulnerable to the condition:
Briard, Dobermans, Boxers, Labradors
German Shepherd, Wolfhounds
Great Dane, Rottweiler, Setters.
Treatment
Every second is crucial and can be the difference between life and death. If picked up early enough, initial treatment will involve inserting a tube into the dog's stomach wall to release excess gas and if necessary, the vet may need to operate in an attempt to untwist the stomach. Consequent treatment may involve treating shock, dehydration, fatigue, and other complications resulting from the distension of the stomach.
Prevention
As there are so many possible causes for bloat, the exact one's still largely unknown, it is very difficult to prevent bloat in individual dogs. Each case is unique and must be treated on an individual basis. If you have a dog that may be at significant risk there are some measures you can take to minimise the risks.
Do not overfeed.
Feed smaller meals through the day if possible rather than one large one in the evening.
Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water immediately after eating a large meal. Try not to allow your dog to exercise vigorously either directly before or, more crucially, immediately after eating. Allow the food in their system to digest a little or let them have a short toilet break on a lead.
As is often the case, arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible about your dog and their lineage if at all possible could ultimately be a life saver.
Be prepared, be aware and never, ever underestimate the seriousness of the condition.
Briards were previously thought to have suffered with CPRA and have been tested for this condition accordingly. However in the last couple of years it has come to light that Briards have not had CPRA.