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News from the Canine Gastric
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| Issue 97-1 | January 1997 |
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An Epidemic of Gastric Dilatation- Volvulus (GDV, Bloat) in the US?There are no reliable population-based estimates of the incidence of GDV in dogs. However, a large computerized multi-hospital record system, the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB), indicates that the frequency of GDV in dogs seen at veterinary reaching hospitals in the US has increased dramatically from 0.036% of all hospital admissions of dogs in 1964 to a peak of 0.57% in 1994, an increase of approximately 1500% (see Figure 1 below).from Veterinary Teaching Hospitals  This increase is unlikely to reflect changing diagnostic criteria or disease recognition. The increasing frequency of GDV starting about 1969 affected most of the large and giant dog breeds. Therefore, it is also unlikely to be caused by genetic factors. However, this apparent epidemic of GDV could be explained by introduction of one or more novel environmental factors such as a new ingredient in dry dog foods or a change in the manufacturing processes. It might also be related to changes in canine vaccines or their pattern of use, e.g., rnultivalent vaccines. Epidemiologic studies will be required to identify the causes of this bloat epidemic in the US and to monitor future trends. Keep in mind that despite appropriate veterinary medical care, approximately 25% of all dogs with GDV will die of the disease. |
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Canadian News Flash |
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Dr. Debbie Boyd, President of the Canine Academy for Research and
Education in Canada, reports that a crew of volunteers has nearly finished
the first step in preparing data on several hundred dogs from a unique
database: the Records of Characteristics (ROCs). Between 1979 and 1992,
data on body measurements, temperament, and other factors were recorded on
the ROC forms for >2,000 purebred dogs in Canada. Long-term -- sometimes
life-long -- follow-up data about whether or not the dogs have bloated will
now be sought for dogs of selected breeds. This will allow us to evaluate
whether any of the variables recorded years ago are associated with bloat
risk. The results will then be compared with those obtained from the
prospective study (see p. 1), which includes primarily dogs from the US.
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Speed Limit? |
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| Our case-control study demonstrated that fast eating increases bloat risk. Thanks to those who suggested methods for slowing down a fast eater: large rocks in the food dish (Ellen Metro, Diana Hiiesalu); tennis balls in the dish (Jan Ruggles); food in muffin tins or the grooves of an upside-down bundt pan (Pauline Anderson). | |
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| Nutrition Information | |