[Dailydrool] Need Bloat info. please

[Cheryl Stafford]

Radar had his second Pre-Bloat episode early this morning.  He had all 
the classic symptoms, vomited foam, gulping air, hardened stomach.  I 
gave him a Gas X and massaged his belly.  He burped three times and 
settled down to sleep.  In total this took about an hour.  I watched him 
the rest of the morning (this started at 4 AM).  Looking back now, I 
realize we were lucky and should have taken him straight to the 
Emergency Vet.  We still don't understand why this happened while he was 
sleeping.  There was no initial warning with the throwing up like 
usual.  The doctor doesn't think the Gas X will help or hurt him.  Has 
anyone given it to their dog everyday?  I think this is what I am going 
to do now along with his Pepcid AC.
Our doctor, this morning, gave us a website to research bloat and it has 
been very helpful.  We are now thinking because of these two near misses 
Radar needs to have the surgery to tack his stomach.  Those of you that 
are familiar and/or have experience with this surgery we would 
appreciate any information that you can send our way.  Anything and 
everything will be helpful.  We are especially concerned with the 
recovery process and how long it takes to fully recover.  We read that 
this surgery is the best option, lowering the recurrence of Bloat to 6 % 
from something like 70% without the surgery.
I am very worried and scared for him right now.  He goes for a complete 
blood panel on Monday and we will then discuss this surgery with the 
doctor.  I will rush him to emergency if this happens again, but hope 
and pray that it does not.
Please know that we appreciate any and all information that you guys can 
send to us.
Thank you,
Cheryl