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. |
AKC Canine Health Foundation Bloat Initiative
Bloat Initiative Grants Awarded!!
We have taken a significant step toward the eventual prevention of the devastating condition commonly known as bloat. CHF is pleased to announce the approval of two research grants which will work to establish the causes and pre-dispositions for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat. These studies will provide the insight necessary to one day prevent the condition.
The two grants will provide nearly $485,000 in bloat research. The first study, headed by principal investigator Dr. Claire Rebecca Sharp, BVMS of Tufts University will evaluate the complex genetic basis of bloat. Importantly, Dr. Sharp’s grant will support the beginning of a biobank of samples that will facilitate the study of bloat by other investigators in the future. The second study, headed by principal investigator Dr. Laura L. Nelson, DVM of Michigan State University seeks to determine the abnormalities in the stomach’s ability to contract and how this might predispose large-breed dogs to bloat.
Selection of the Bloat Initiative Grants:
In January of 2013 the Foundation has issued a call for research proposals. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was written as a program project and required a tangible outcome. The recipients of these bloat grants are expected to deliver something demonstrable so that research on bloat moves forward in a substantial way. Also, the budget this special emphasis RFP is greater than what we typically award for individual research grants, allowing the investigators to do research that may be cost prohibitive under normal circumstances. Grants awarded will allow us to make a huge leap forward towards prevention of bloat.
In response to our request for proposals (RFP) we received 9 Letters of Intent (LOIs). Our special emphasis review panel, composed of CHF Grant Committee members and breed club reviewers, found 5 LOIs compelling enough to invite back for peer review of full proposals. Of those full proposals, 2 stellar projects were considered highly responsive to the RFP and were deemed to be scientifically meritorious by both experts in the field of canine gastrointestinal disease and the special emphasis review panel.
More about the Bloat RFP (non-scientific language)
View the Bloat RFP (scientific language)
Education:
CHF is excited to offer a free educational webinar "Bloat: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know" with Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski. In the webinar, Dr. Rozanski explains what every dog owner needs to know about gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat. She will present the signs and treatment options for bloat along with current options for prevention.
The Foundation also plans to provide continuing education for veterinarians showing surgical procedures used for prevention - gastropexy during spay/neuter.
Bloat Initiative Sponsors
Champion Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($50,000+):
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Lead Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($25,000 - $49,999):
Basset Hound Club of America
German Shepherd Dog Club of America
Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust
Charter Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($10,000 - $24,999):
Akita Club of America
American Black & Tan Coonhound Club
American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation
Briard Club of America Health and Education Trust
Doberman Pinscher Club of America
Gordon Setter Club of America
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Weimaraner Club of America
Bloat Initiative Sponsors ($2,500 - $9,999):
American Bloodhound Club
American Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club
Borzoi Club of America
Delaware County Kennel Club
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation
Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation
Forsyth Kennel Club
German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America
Great Pyrenees Club of America
Irish Wolfhound Club of America
Kuvasz Fanciers of America
Poodle Club of America Foundation
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Scottish Deerhound Club 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.
