Abdominal enlargement

Can’t find your dog’s waistline? There may be times when you look at your dog and wonder if that large belly (abdomen) is normal. In many cases, the answer is no!

Causes
Abdominal enlargement can indicate many conditions, some of which are normal. Like babies, many puppies sport a potbelly they soon outgrow, but sometimes a potbelly in puppies can be a sign of intestinal parasites. Females experience abdominal enlargement from pregnancy and also from a serious infection called pyometra. And it’s common for dog to overeat and lose their girlish figures.

A rapidly enlarging abdomen is a medical emergency. In severe cases of bloat [gastric dilatation-volvulus], the stomach becomes distended and may twist, trapping food and air. This condition, which can cause shock and even death, is most common in large-breed dogs and requires surgery to save the dog.

Other causes of abdominal enlargement include heart or liver disease, cancer, feline infectious peritonitis, low blood protein levels, abdominal bleeding, an enlarged liver or spleen, a ruptured bladder, and Cushing’s syndrome.

What you can do at home
Monitor your dog’s eating, drinking, and elimination habits, and make an appointment to see the veterinarian if you notice abdominal enlargement. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, high-fat foods, and excessive amounts of food to prevent obesity. Watch your dog closely for any other signs of illness.

When to call the veterinarian
Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog’s abdomen suddenly enlarges or if he develops other symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing difficulty.

What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will examine and weigh your dog and ask about his symptoms and recent activities. Depending on the examination results, your veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic procedures, such as urine and blood tests, a fecal exam, X-rays, and an ultrasound.

Many conditions cause abdominal enlargement, so be patient and give your veterinarian time to pinpoint a diagnosis. In most cases, your dog’s sleek waistline will reappear after the doctor identifies and treats the underlying medical problem.

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