stomach feels hard and bloated... My roommate pointed out today that Lexy's stomach felt full and bloated. Her stomach feels really hard and ROUND...and I just want to know if this is normal. She had a lot of dry food today, and I thought maybe it was because the dry food expanded in her stomach. |
Is she acting any differently? |
My Annika gets bloated every now and then . . I panicked the first time it happened. I talked this over with the vet and he suggested that I give her food in smaller quantities but more frequent. What happens is that Annika eats it way too fast it does not get digested well . . She eventually threw it all up and the swolen/bloated tummy went back to normal. |
acting okay Lexy is acting normally, playing with the cat as usual, but when I picked her up a few minutes ago she made a little...throw-up sound. Like she was regurgitating something but nothing came up. |
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i could be wrong but i think it is also a sign of worms. |
Could be worms, but the firmness might indicate bloat. Here's some information on bloat. Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk. If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately! Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Notify your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case. Better to be safe than sorry! The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. Symptoms Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right. Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom" Doesn't act like usual self Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs Significant anxiety and restlessness One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance This seems to occur fairly frequently Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum) Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent Pale or off-color gums Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy Coughing Unproductive gagging Heavy salivating or drooling Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous Unproductive attempts to defecate Whining Pacing Licking the air Seeking a hiding place Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort May refuse to lie down or even sit down May stand spread-legged May attempt to eat small stones and twigs Drinking excessively Heavy or rapid panting Shallow breathing Cold mouth membranes Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance Especially in advanced stage Accelerated heartbeat Heart rate increases as bloating progresses Weak pulse Collapse |
Bloat... I read about bloat in a book called "Smarter than You Think" by Paul Loeb. I was worried it might be that too, but I think it only happens to bigger dogs... Fortunately, my dog is fine. I woke up this morning to find she had pooed THREE times (in her litter box) so I really think she just over-ate. Her stomach feels fine now. I did switch her to Royal Canin yesterday which she LOVES (from Eukanaba) and I think maybe she over-ate because she finally got food she liked. |
Also... I checked her feces (I know, gross, but a mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do) for worm parts or eggs. I didn't find any so I believe it's not worms. Additionally, she also ate some cat food before I caught her in the act. I heard cat food isn't digestible to dogs so that might have been it too. |
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It can happen in little dogs, but it isn't as common. My friend's Mini Schnauzer died from bloat after eating a bunch of fatty leftovers from a fresh butcher. |
Feed her twice daily instead of once if that is what you are doing. Do not exercise her for 2 hours after eating. Also avoid excessive water consumption especially after it has been unavailable or after exercise. If she is eating dry kibble food and drinks lots of water quickly, it makes the kibbles expand, hence the bloatyness. Hope it helps. |
My Holly Belle (2 year old) is having similar symptoms to the ones in this post. She was fine when I left for work this AM. My sons called saying she was making whining noises. This is not like her, she is one of the spunkiest little dog I've ever seen. I came home from work to check her out and her tummy was very tight and tender. I immediately felt it was probably a reaction to meds (Prednisone and Amoxicillin) her vet had put her on a week ago for skin allergies. I took her out and she had a normal bowel movement, seemed to feel better so I left her with my college age son and went back to work. When I got off work, her tummy once again was hard and tender when you tried to pick her up and on top of that she was shaking. But, once we went outside she seemed normal, barking and letting the neighbors know she is the boss. We came back in, she vomitted some clear fluid with a little piece of plastic (like a sandwich baggie). She is very curious, and goat like, we have no idea where or what she got into if she even did. The boys and I search the house looking for evidence and found nothing. I was scared to death, thinking she probably ingested something and obstructed her intestines. Of course, by this time it was after hours at the vet so I who I contacted was not my regular vet. He assured me she had stomach discomfort and it was not life threatening nor critical. He instructed me to give her 2.5mg pepcid. I am still so scared that something is going to happen to my Holly Belle. Tonight she is still pretty much the same, hard belly that hurts her when we try to pick her up. She won't leave my side. But, she is eating (bland diet according to Vet), drinking, urinating and has had a bowel movement tonight. Should I be worried? Has anyone had anything like this to happen and if so how long did it last? |
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