[PyrNet-L] Re: pyrnet-l-digest.19980320/bloat

[SWhitney74 <SWhitney74@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-20 23:59:16 EST, you write:

<< Bloat is a major concern in most(all) of the large breeds, however, having
 said that it is more prevelant in some breeds. Great Danes have major
 problems with bloat. >>

I have an Irish Wolfhound and along with Great Danes, bloat is a major concern
for them (according to the statistics, 11% die of bloat/torsion, so it is
always being discussed among Irish Wolfhound owners.  I understand that the
risk increases in deep & narrow chested breeds.  Two of the main
recommendations are feeding two small rather than one large meal and limiting
exercise for an hour before and two hours after eating.  Perhaps Pyrs are less
likely to bloat because they are not as apt to wolf down their food (from what
I've read on these lists) and because they are more sedate (?) as adults.  The
incidence of bloat increases with age (it is almost unheard of in puppies.)

Purdue University has done a study on bloat/torsion (the stomach's twisting
which is the main cause of death from bloat) for the last several years and
their most recent (?) findings and recommendations to avoid bloat are at the
following web site:

Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Research Program
http://www.vet.purdue.edu/vad/cae/bnjan98.htm

Stephanie (hoping to have a Pyr some day)