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Bloat (GDV)

Gastric dilatation, commonly known as bloat, is a rapidly progressing and devastating condition that can develop in several different breeds of dogs. The condition is initiated when the stomach dilates and food and gas cannot be expelled. As the stomach dilates and expands, the pressure in the stomach begins to increase, causing inadequate blood return to the heart from the abdomen, loss of blood flow to the lining of the stomach, and rupture of the stomach wall. In some cases the stomach can become dilated enough to rotate in the abdomen, a condition called volvulus. The rotation can lead to blockage of the blood supply to the spleen and the stomach wall, and without immediate surgical correction of volvulus and removal of the dead tissues the patient can die.

2013 Bloat Initiative

Education:

Coming in early 2013, the AKC Canine Health Foundation will launch a lay language webinar describing possible causes of bloat, susceptible breeds, symptoms, medical intervention, and explanation of research needed. This webinar will be free and available for club educational programs. The Foundation will also provide continuing education for veterinarians showing surgical procedures used for prevention - gastropexy during spay/neuter.

Research:

The devastating nature of bloat is of foremost concern to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and will require a major research effort to identify the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

With fundraising well underway, the Foundation has issued a call for research proposals. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is written as a program project and requires a tangible outcome. The recipient(s) of these Bloat grants will be expected to deliver something demonstrable so that research on Bloat moves forward in a substantial way. Also, the budget for a program project RFP is greater than in individual research grants, allowing investigators to do research that may be cost prohibitive under normal circumstances. Grants awarded could be as large as $250,000 and in turn will allow us to make a huge leap forward towards prevention of bloat.

More about the Bloat RFP (non-scientific language)

View the Bloat RFP (scientific language)

Sponsors

Champion Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($50,000+):

Lead Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($25,000 - $49,999):

Basset Hound Club of America
German Shepherd Dog Club of America

Charter Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($10,000 - $24,999):

American Black & Tan Coonhound Club
American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation
Briard Club of America Health and Education Trust
Gordon Setter Club of America
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
Weimaraner Club of America

Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($2,500 - $9,999):

American Bloodhound Club
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation
Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation
Forsyth Kennel Club
Kuvasz Fanciers of America
TarTan Gordon Setter Club
Versatility in Poodles

For information about how to become a sponsor contact chfgrants@akcchf.org. Or make an immediate donation of any amount to the Bloat Initiative.

Help Future Generations of Dogs

Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.