Why is my senior dog's stomach distended and she's losing weight?

I'm glad that Bailey seems to be feeling okay despite her new abdominal distension. The abdomen can become distended from either a mass or fluid accumulation from right sided congestive heart failure, liver failure, or cancer. Any of these conditions can progress and worsen rapidly, so I recommend taking Bailey to her vet fairly urgently for evaluation to get to the bottom of this issue. She may need to have chest and abdominal x-rays and/or ultrasound, or have a sample of fluid drained from her abdomen for analysis. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Bailey!

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!

It’s impossible to know without a physical exam but some reasons for an enlarged abdomen include weight gain, pregnancy, hypothyroidism and ascites. Some of these conditions are serious and require treatment. Since there is no obvious cause, I recommend to have Emma examined by her veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello, sorry to hear about Roxie. Those symptoms you are noting could be associated with cushings disease. This is a disease of the adrenal glands and/or pituitary gland that causes excessive secretion of steroid hormones. In addition to the voracious appetite, distended abdomen, and muscle mass loss, one may also note increase drinking and urinating, panting, and anxiety (such as the barking you're noting). Cushings disease can be managed medically, but she will likely need bloodwork and potentially an abdominal ultrasound for diagnostics. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have Roxie evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello. Her liver values are not bad at all, & her liver does not look enlarged. You might want to request a test to look at bile acids & perhaps an abdominal ultrasound to see if the x-ray has missed something in the abdomen. Finish the Doxycycline, & see if she truly has Ehrlichiosis or if this is just a red herring. Thanks 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.

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.