Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
As I write this I am very close to losing a good friend and companion, my female Saint, Barkley.
I came home Sunday night after a short trip to New England, both Saints were at a local kennel. I picked them up today in the early afternoon, they seemed to be fine until I got home. Barkley was acting somewhat lethargic and started to attempt to vomit, with very little exiting other than saliva. I kept an eye on her and, when her condition didn't improve after about 30 minutes, I called the vet and spoke with the Dr. We decided the bring her in and apparently made the right decision. By the time we arrived at the vet, she could hardly walk. We had to place her on a stretcher and a quick xray confirmed my suspicions, bloat. Her temp. was up to 107 at that time. They prep'd her for emergency surgery and my wife and I left, as we had to get the girls.
I received a call an hour later, Barkley came through the surgery, but they had to remove her spleen, which had become damaged from the bloat and lack of blood flow. As of 1800 hrs. Monday she is in critical condition. They say the next 12-24 hours are the most critical to her recovery. For all I know, she may have already passed as I write this. I'll have an update at 0800 on Tuesday.
I need a few prayers for my dog tonight, from fellow members that are dog lovers. I was always aware of the bloat risks with the Saints, my only thought is that she drank too much water prior to my arrival and before the trip home.
For the others out there with dogs of the giant breed, please take note of this risk and watch for the signs. There's a ton of info on the net if you do a search under 'bloat'. I will hopefully have some good news to report tomorrow, but I'm not overly optimistic at this point.
A deeply saddened,
Scott W.
I came home Sunday night after a short trip to New England, both Saints were at a local kennel. I picked them up today in the early afternoon, they seemed to be fine until I got home. Barkley was acting somewhat lethargic and started to attempt to vomit, with very little exiting other than saliva. I kept an eye on her and, when her condition didn't improve after about 30 minutes, I called the vet and spoke with the Dr. We decided the bring her in and apparently made the right decision. By the time we arrived at the vet, she could hardly walk. We had to place her on a stretcher and a quick xray confirmed my suspicions, bloat. Her temp. was up to 107 at that time. They prep'd her for emergency surgery and my wife and I left, as we had to get the girls.
I received a call an hour later, Barkley came through the surgery, but they had to remove her spleen, which had become damaged from the bloat and lack of blood flow. As of 1800 hrs. Monday she is in critical condition. They say the next 12-24 hours are the most critical to her recovery. For all I know, she may have already passed as I write this. I'll have an update at 0800 on Tuesday.
I need a few prayers for my dog tonight, from fellow members that are dog lovers. I was always aware of the bloat risks with the Saints, my only thought is that she drank too much water prior to my arrival and before the trip home.
For the others out there with dogs of the giant breed, please take note of this risk and watch for the signs. There's a ton of info on the net if you do a search under 'bloat'. I will hopefully have some good news to report tomorrow, but I'm not overly optimistic at this point.
A deeply saddened,
Scott W.
I still get sad when I think about him..... 
. So far she is holding her own. She's gonna be at the vet for at least 2 more days in the best scenario. They said she ate today and was able pass the waste, which is a real good sign. Looks like the next 24 + hours will show how much the blood restriction damaged the stomach, if at all. 
