Why is my dog's belly suddenly big despite exercise and same diet?

This is worrisome - a distended abdomen could be a sign that there is free fluid present in the abdomen secondary to something like liver disease or even cancer. An organ could be enlarged as well. There are some diseases that can cause weakness of the muscles of the abdomen that could lead it to appear enlarged as well. If you are almost but not 100% positive that she is not pregnant of course that could be another cause as well. I would recommend having Sadie examined by your veterinarian - they may be able to tell what is going on by palpating or feeling her abdomen or they may recommend other testing like x-rays or blood work.

It could be that he is accumulating some fluid in his abdomen. This could be from low protein, cancer, liver disease or heart disease. It could also be that his liver or another internal organ such as his spleen is markedly enlarged. Or, it could be nothing, and he's just changed the way he carries some of his weight over time and there is not an issue. The only way to find out is to take him to the vet. Since he's acting normal and otherwise doing well, and you can't afford it right now, I don't think you need to stress too much over it. When its possible financially , get him to the vet. If he starts to show any symptoms of illness, make it a priority to get him in as soon as you can. thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Good for you for noticing that her stomach looks different! Lots of times, owners don't see things like this if their dog is still acting normal. There are a number of different things that could cause an enlarged, firm abdomen even if she doesn't have any other symptoms of a problem - in a 7-year-old Lab, some common possibilities would include an abdominal tumor of some kind, liver disease, heart disease, Cushing's disease, or internal bleeding. In many cases, dogs with these issues may not show any other symptoms at first - so the earlier you can determine the problem, the better chance there is that it can be treated successfully. I would recommend taking Yogi to the vet for an exam tomorrow. He/she can palpate her abdomen, and may recommend blood work, x-rays, and/or an abdominal ultrasound to help determine why her stomach looks enlarged and see what can be done to treat the problem.

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen is often secondary to heart disease (valvular disease, heart worms, cardiomyopathy) ..or...some type of malignancy. Tumors in the abdominal cavity can sometimes be associated with fluid build up. It is important to do some additional diagnostic tests. Survey radiographs to start, then it may be advised to move on to an ultrasound....either of the heart or if the abdomen depending on radiograph findings. The ultrasound can be particularly helpful in cases like this where fluid accumulation reduces the ability to see vital structures on radiographs. This most likely had nothing to do with a case of overeating. There is likely some disease process that has been going on for some time. I hope you can get some answers soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

These symptoms are very concerning for a possible organ enlargement in the abdomen or even heart disease (causes fluid build up in the belly). I would highly recommend taking Buttons in to your vet for some testing (bloodwork and radiographs) to determine the exact cause of her illness. Once we know what is going on internally then we will know what type of treatment she needs to hopefully get better. I hope Buttons is able to turn around. Best wishes and take care.

Press should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause. After a physical exam, blood work and/or abdominal xrays or ultrasound may diagnose a tumor or fluid accumulation. Certain endocrine conditions can also cause a pot bellied appearance.

Hi there. This does look a bit odd. Have your veterinarians done any x rays or bloodwork? If Sophie is not spayed and has been sick for a while I would be very concerned with a pyometra (uterine infection) with how distended that abdomen looks. If that's the case-this is an emergency and needs to be looked at right away. I hope this helps!