Why is my old dog's belly swollen, drinking lots, and bloody stools?

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. She definitely needs to go see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Swelling of the abdomen as you describe can be from many causes including fluid buildup in the abdomen (due to things such as heart disease, liver disease, low protein levels due to kidney loss or intestinal loss or severe intestinal parasitism), tumors in the abdomen as well as tumors that are bleeding or oozing into the abdomen. The vet will palpate your dog's belly and may recommend testing including a fecal test to check for parasites and bacteria, an x-ray to look for fluid and tumors, and bloodwork to check protein and red and white blood cell levels.

I'm sorry to hear Cyrus is having issues. Based on the combination of signs you are seeing, I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian. We would be concerned about exposure to tick borne disease (such as Lyme), an infection, an underlying medical issue (diabetes, kidney disease, liver issues), cancer, or an underlying GI issue. I would have him evaluated, have any necessary testing done (X-rays, bloodwork), and start on any treatment that may be needed. Good luck!

Poor Storm! It's hard to say for sure what might be causing this without seeing him. From what you describe, I would be concerned that he may have a testicular infection or even testicular cancer. If his belly looks swollen, this is often a sign of fluid in the abdomen, which can be caused by cancer, liver failure, heart disease, or internal bleeding. It does sounds like this is a serious problem, so I would recommend having him seen by a vet right away - he/she can do blood work and x-rays to help determine the problem and see what can be done to help him.

With chido's age and his abdomen being distended, I would be concerned about something going on in his abdomen such as a hemorrhage since his gums are pale. Many times we see this presentation and find that the spleen has multiple tumors and is actively bleeding into the abdominal cavity. There may be something else bleeding or producing fluid in the abdomen as well. I would strongly recommend having him examined by a veterinarian and having x-rays taken of his abdomen to help figure out what is going on. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

I'm so sorry that Cash is not doing well. His clinical condition is very concerning and makes me worry about a significant chronic disease such as heart failure, protein-losing diseases, or a cancerous process. I highly recommend Cash be evaluated at a veterinary emergency hospital with internal medicine capabilities. He likely needs x-rays and bloodwork alongside a potential abdominal ultrasound or echocardiogram.

Fluid in the abdomen is usually caused by either heart failure, low blood protein levels, or cancer. Blood work should be done to check protein levels. A follow up appointment with your veterinarian soon is important, and more work up should be done to identify the cause. Blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound are the steps I would usually take is a case such as Major to find the problem and develop the best treatment options. Best of luck and I hope you find an answer soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Oh dear! These are very concerning signs - I would be worried that Kisses may have a serious problem such as internal bleeding, heart or liver disease, or a severe infection of some kind. I'm afraid that there isn't really anything you can do at home for a problem this serious - she really needs to be seen by a vet immediately. If her regular vet is out of town, I would take her to another vet today for an exam and some diagnostic testing to find out what's wrong.