My older chihuahua's stomach is getting bigger. Is it serious?

This looks like a mammary tumor, which could be benign or malignant. At the age of your dog I would not opt for removal. If it is not growing or ulcerating then I would not worry about it too much. However, you may want to take her to your vet to have it assessed just in case it is a cyst or an abscess, either of which would need to be evacuated (emptied)

Symptoms like this can be related to pain in the back or pain in the pancreas. Even though she is acting normal, the tense areas indicate there is some discomfort and I recommend to have her examined by her veterinarian. The doctor may recommend radiographs to check the spine or a blood test to check the pancreas. Both conditions should be treated to alleviate pain. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This is quite worrisome in an older dog. She could have an abdominal mass or fluid causing the enlarged stomach. I recommend a veterinary exam and X-ray, and blood panel to see if there are any abnormalities. Once they find the reason for the weight gain then they can discuss treatment options. PleSe take her in soon to find the cause. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

It is possible that Roo could be pregnant? It could also be she has a pyometra (an infection of the uterus), which would also cause her stomach to look bigger and her to drink more water. I would have her checked out by a vet in the next few days as long as she is acting normally. Take her into an ER immediately if she starts vomiting, stops eating, becomes very lethargic, or has discharge from her vulva. Best of luck.

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that Stella isn't behaving like normal- it does sound like she could have some abdominal pain and/or weakness with what you're describing. Sometimes the abdomen can become distended with certain diseases or fluid build up. I'd recommend having Stella examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The heart does indeed appear to be enlarged and the trachea (windpipe) pushed up by the heart which can cause discomfort and coughing. Murmurs and valve disease are quite common in chihuahuas (diet related dilated cardiomyopathy is generally associated with a milder murmur and larger heart). An ultrasound exam to assess the valves and the strength and thickness of the heart muscle or review from a cardiologist is recommended in order to determine the underlying issues as treatment to manage and reduce the symptoms are very different depending on the type of heart condition which is predominant

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!