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Why is my dog's stomach swollen, legs weak, and he's lethargic?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 85 lbs

My dog is acting like he doesn't feel good. His stomach is swollen and he acts as if his back legs don't want to work. He is breathing differently not wagging his tail his eyes are red and he is sort of lethargic

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 24th, 2018

Poor Cotton! I'm sorry to hear that he's not feeling well. Unfortunately, this sounds like quite a serious problem. A swollen abdomen can be caused by a number of different things, including heart disease, liver disease, internal bleeding. or an abdominal tumor of some kind. His rear leg issues could be caused by some type of neurologic problem, or could be due to overall weakness due to whatever is causing the abdominal swelling. Lethargy is a very vague symptom that could be caused by almost any kind of illness.

I would recommend taking Cotton to the vet for an exam right away, as this may be a life-threatening problem. Your veterinarian can do blood work and x-rays or an abdominal ultrasound if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on April 13th, 2020
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is very concerning and may be due to something more serious than just simple constipation. Abdominal fluid due to liver disease, heart failure, kidney failure, or cancers can be a cause as well as endocrine disease such as Cushing's disease or parasitic infections such as a heavy roundworm infection can be potential causes. I recommend Garlic see her veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will do a hands on exam and may recommend x-rays to check for free fluid in the abdomen and may run blood work as well to help pinpoint a cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2018
I am concerned that there ma be something else going on besides just a blood parasites. I worry that she may have something causing her to collect fluid in her abdomen like heartworms, heart problems, liver disease, cancer, or something else. I am concerned that she is losing weight and still have a bloated abdomen and breathing fast. I would have her rechecked by your vet as they may want to do additional diagnostics. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot you can do at home. Make sure she is eating even if you have to entice her with some plain boiled boneless skinless chicken and white rice. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 20th, 2017
Oh dear! I'm afraid these are very concerning symptoms. I can't say for sure what might be wrong without being able to examine her and do some testing, but the most worrisome possibilities in an older, large-breed dog like this would include a bleeding abdominal tumor, congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a serious uterine infection called a pyometra.

All of these problems are very serious - I'm afraid this is a medical emergency that really can't wait. I would recommend taking Indya to the nearest emergency vet right away. The vet on duty can do blood work and x-rays to help determine what's wrong and see what can be done to help her.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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