Role of CRTASA

My photo
Canadian Registry of Therapy Animal & Service Animals (CRTASA) is a centralized registry operating in Canada & US since 2010. It registers service & therapy animals and extends annual memberships to verified applicants that also receive a valid CRTASA Photo ID Card to readily confirm their rightful ownership of their official animal to a place of business. Service animals registered by CRTASA include guide dogs and other trained species (eg. helper monkeys, miniature seeing guide horses, etc..) CRTASA does not certify service animals - it only registers those already officially trained/certified to assist their owner with a disability. The standardized CRTASA Photo ID Card alleviates past confusion that variety of ID Cards (issued by different states, provinces and training facilities) posed for businesses across North America - many of whom were unfamiliar with the issuing body. CRTASA members also benefit from point of purchase discounts on animal products/services extended by participating CRTASA corporate fellows. For details Email: info@crtasa.com or visit www.crtasa.com

Welcome to CRTASA's Blog!

Thank you for your interest and comments about service and therapy animals.

For additional information about our CRTASA membership services or Corporate Fellowship Opportunities please visit our website at: www.crtasa.com or email us directly at: info@crtasa.com.

February 19, 2011

GDV - Canine Stomach Problem is Life-Threatening: Do you know the symptoms & signs?

According to Dr. Becker, GDV also known as gastric dilatation volvulus is a serious medical condition seen in dogs. It is also frequently referred to as twisted stomach or bloat.

Not all dogs that experience stomach bloating end up with volvulus, which is torsion (twisting) of the stomach. A dog’s stomach can fill up with gas and air and stay in position.

However, GDV is a condition (see diagram below) where there is bloating in conjunction with the stomach twisting on itself and cutting off the blood supply which leads to a host of other dangers to the animal’s over all health.

This is absolutely a life-threatening condition. The associated mortality rate with GDV is 30%.
Top 12 breeds of dog that are at higher risk of developing GDV:

  • Great Dane
  • Basset Hound
  • Saint Bernard
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Weimaraner
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Irish Setter
  • German Short-haired Pointer
  • Gordon Setter
  • Newfoundland
  • Standard Poodle
  • German Shepherd
If you have a breed of dog identified at high risk for DVD, you should know to recognize the following signs and symptoms. Even if your dog's species is not identified above it is imperative you get your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect a case of bloat.

Signs and Symptoms of GDV: (often very subtle)
  • Bloating, in which your dog’s belly grows very big with air.
  • Episodes of unproductive belching, retching or vomiting. Your dog’s body is trying to expel air collected in his stomach.
  • Intense abdominal pain that can prevent the dog from moving around.
  • Initial restlessness followed shortly by a moribund (close to death) condition.
  • Shallow, rapid breathing and pale gums.
If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, you should get them to your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately!
Even when you might be unsure if it’s simply bloat or bloat with stomach torsion, you should still take immediate action and get your dog to a vet. The only way to tell the difference between simple bloating and GDV is with an x-ray.

Due to the high mortality rate associated with GDV, it’s much better to be safe than sorry, so get your dog pet seen right away.

To view full article on GDV or to watch the video please click on link:  http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/01/25/gastric-dilatation-volvulus-or-twisted-stomach-in-pet-dogs.aspx

No comments:

Post a Comment