GRANT
Incidence and Breed Related Risk Factors for Gastric Dilation-Volvulus in Dogs
5-year prospective study by Larry Glickman, VMD, Ph.D., Purdue University
Participating breed clubs Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner and the AKC/CHF.
Method
Investigator measured dogs at dog shows and the owners completed a detailed questionnaire concerning the dogs medical history, genetic background, husbandry and eating practices, personality and diet.
Five years later, the investigator called and conducted a follow-up on each the dog.
The incidence of bloat (GDV) was calculated for each breed.
Risk factors were compared to dog measurements and questionnaire responses to determine any correlation.  Results:
STUDY COMPLETED
Results for the Rottweiler
(Data based on 200 dogs)
* Of the 11 breeds tested, the Rottweiler had the lowest incidence of Bloat (1%).
* “Happy/easy going” dogs were found to be less prone to bloat. Rottweiler was listed as the easiest going/confident dog of the 11 breeds surveyed.
* Overweight dogs were less prone to bloat.
* Dogs that are feed 2 – 3 times a day are less prone to bloat.
* Restricting water before or after eating, or elevating the dogs food bowl increased the incidence of bloat.
* Bloat incidence was found to increase with age.
* Giving dogs anti-gas medication on a regular basis, increased the incidence of bloat by 66%.
* Do not breed any animal if there has been a relative that has previously bloated.
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