Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), can occur in any breed of dog and is a life-threatening condition. It is the most common in large, deep chested dogs such as great danes, german shepherds, labs and other larger breeds.

If you believe your dog may be bloated it is an emergent situation. You should bring your dog to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible as every minute can make the difference.

When a dog bloats their stomach fills with gas and can twist in on itself cutting off blood supply to the rest of the GI tract. This prevents gas and food from leaving the stomach and the stomach begins to enlarge with the trapped gas. The spleen may also become twisted and lose circulation blocking blood transport back to the heart. 

Symptoms of bloat can appear quickly, and will usually include one or more of the following:

- A swollen, hard belly
- Retching but not able to vomit or vomiting thick frothy foam/salvia 
- Drooling
- Pain in the abdomen when touched
- Other signs of distress such as panting, pacing and restlessness

​Bloat is extremely painful for dogs and can kill in a matter of hours and requires veterinary intervention.

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Recognizing Bloat (GDV) In Dogs

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Urinary obstruction or urinary blockage, can occur in either female or male cats, though is more common in male cats. It is a painful and life-threatening condition. A urinary blockage means their urethra is blocked by inflammatory material or stones, the bladder then becomes overfilled because urine cannot leave the body. If the blockage continues for too long it is life-threatening and can cause kidney damage and the bladder could potentially tear or rupture.

If you believe your cat may be blocked it is an emergent situation. You should reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible or go to an emergency clinic.

Blocking in male cats is more common due to having a narrow urethra. They can become blocked due to involuntary muscle spasms of the urethra, urinary stones or urethral plugs: a mix of cells that line the bladder, mucus and crystals that are formed in the urine. A diet high in magnesium or if your cat was previously diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) can also increase the likely hood of a cat blocking.

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​Below is a video detailing the middle to late stages of bloat. 

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Recognizing Urinary Obstructions In Cats

The owners who were recording were unaware their dog was suffering from bloat. Once they realized something was wrong he was rushed to an emergency vet and made a full recovery.

​Signs of a blocked cat:

- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination with no to little urine
- Crying out while urinating
- Bloody/red tinged urine
- Painful abdomen
- Urinating outside of the litterbox
- Hiding/restless (this is typically paired with one of the other signs listed)

If left untreated a block cat may begin to develop symptoms not directly related to urination as toxins begin to build up in their bodies.

​- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Depressed/altered mental state
- Low heartrate
- Collapse
- Heavy breathing​

Once a cat has had an urinary obstruction they are at a higher risk to have the condition re-occur. There are measures you can take to help prevent your cat from becoming blocked.

- Feeding urinary specific food
​- Increasing water intake 
- Reducing stress