POODLE DIET EMERGENCY

Published date19 March 2024
Publication titleEvening Chronicle
Q

Apparently, he has a higher risk of a twisted stomach emergency. Is this true, and what are the symptoms to look out for? Can anything be done to prevent it?

A

Standard poodles are at an increased risk of developing gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening emergency, where the stomach fills with gas and then twists.

Large, deep-chested dogs are most at risk. I've seen it in your breed, basset hounds, great Danes, German shepherds and other big dogs.

Additional risk factors are dogs being fed once a day, rapid eating, and a family history.

Many cases occur in the early hours and any vet participating in an out-of-hours rota will have dealt with these emergencies.

The signs usually come on a few hours after a big meal - first, the dog attempts unsuccessfully to vomit, drools and shows great discomfort. If this occurs, do not wait to see if it improves, because these signs are quickly followed by collapse, shock and a swollen abdomen.

Without emergency attention, intensive fluid therapy and an operation, these cases are invariably fatal.

Surgery aims to decompress the stomach, untwist it and attach it to the lining of the abdominal wall (known as gastropexy) to prevent recurrence, which otherwise is very common.

Feeding two or three smaller meals daily, and avoiding vigorous exercise, may reduce the risk.

Some authorities advise a prophy- lactic gastropexy, for example at neutering, which you could discuss with your vet.

Q

Friends have noticed that my 11-year-old female neutered cat has put on a lot of weight. She eats normally and has the run of the garden with a cat flap. Do I need to bother my vet with this? Otherwise she seems well.

A

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