This is a veterinary emergency and a life-threatening disease that usually affects dogs in the prime of life. Mortality rates approach 50 percent. The term bloat refers to any of three conditions: acute gastric dilatation, torsion and volvulus.

Bloat, also known as the overfeeding (or overeating) syndrome, involves a swelling up of stomach from gas, fluid, or both (acute gastric dilatation). Once distended, the stomach may twist abruptly on its long axis. If it does twist, but the twist is 180 degrees or less, it is called a torsion. A twist greater than 180 degrees is called a volvulus.

There are some interesting facts about bloat:

1. Dogs with bloat nearly always are between four and seven years of age. Two-thirds are male.
2. It usually affects dogs of larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, Bloodhounds, Standard Poodles, and others of large size (fifty eight pounds was the average size in one study). It rarely occurs in small breeds.
3. Dogs who bloat tend to eat large quantities of dry kibble.
4. They exercise vigorously after eating, and tend to drink water in large amounts after meals.
5. They may have a history of digestive upsets (gastritis).
6. There may be a familial association with other dogs who have bloated.

If your dog develops, a gastric upset that you think may be bloat, it is most important to decide whether this condition is caused by gastric dilatation or torsion of the stomach. A mild gastric dilatation, not complicated by a twist of the stomach and signs of severe distress, is not an acute emergency and can be treated at home. A torsion or volvulus, on the other hand, is a life-and-death situation. It calls for immediate veterinary attention.