Hi everyone!
This is Loki. He's almost 4 years old. Today, he has to undergo surgery to get his bloated stomach untwisted. If left untreated, he will die. This is an uncommon condition and he's still really young and full of energy. It breaks my heart that we cannot prepare for these events in life. If anyone can please share this for me, I would appreciate it. Any amount helps! 💗💔
**information on his condition below**
What Is Bloat in Dogs?
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, is a medical and surgical emergency.
As the stomach fills with air, pressure builds, stopping blood from the hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart. Blood pools at the back end of the body, reducing the working blood volume and sending the dog into shock.
If this isn’t enough, there is yet another scary thing that happens, and it is devastating to see. As the stomach flips, it drags the spleen and pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. The oxygen-starved pancreas produces some very toxic hormones. One, in particular, targets the heart and stops it cold. In fact, a dog can go through successful treatment and seem to be out of danger, when suddenly the heart stops.
Even in the mildest case of bloat, which is extremely rare, dogs die without treatment.
