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My dog yelps when touched, has hard belly, won't eat. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years old | 45 lbs

My dog began acting strangely 2 hours ago. He wants attention but when touched on his belly, back, butt or legs yips jumps away. He is mostly keeping his ears + tail down but his tail does wag slighty when spoken to. His belly is hard, he will not eat/drink. His nose is wet. He is slightly (ever so) shaking. Almost like muscle spazzims on his rear back and back legs. He is not weak, lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea. My husband is deployed and I have no car or friends being new to the area.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2018

He is showing sings of having a painful abdomen, but nothing more specific than that. This could be due to inflamed/painful bowels, a blockage in the stomach or intestine, an inflamed/painful organ (i.e. liver or kidney), or pancreatitis. The fact that he is not vomiting or lethargic indicates that this is not too severe, but things can change quickly in certain circumstances, so my best advice would be to have a vet evaluate him as soon as possible to help narrow-down the possibilities and keep things from getting worse.

I understand that you are in a difficult circumstance though, so it's likely not possible to take him to a vet tonight. In that case, it's best to keep him comfortable tonight and take him to a vet in the morning. I recommend calling the local veterinary treatment facility at the base you are stationed at. The staff there can usually suggest good options for transport and you may be able to make an appointment with a vet. You may also check for mobile veterinarians in your area that can come to your house and check him out.

I hope that helps and Ares gets better soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 12th, 2017

    I see you're talking about in the picture. It's possible that this is a flare-up of his pancreatitis (although I will admit I have not seen an actual visible swelling from pancreatitis). It could also be a skin mass or an abdominal mass that you're seeing or he could actually have back pain. Because of his history of pancreatitis, I would recommend getting him into veterinarian right away got testing and to get a jump on any needed treatments. If he is very lethargic and not eating, I would recommend an emergency clinic tonight, otherwise you can wait and schedule an appointment for Monday. Good luck!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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