Why is my senior chihuahua's belly swollen, tender, and back tense?

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.

It is difficult to determine the cause without an examination but abdominal enlargement can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including an accumulation of fluid, organ enlargement, Cushings disease, etc. You should schedule an examination with a vet to determine if there is a medical problem that needs to be treated. Your vet can run blood-work and take x-rays to help determine the cause.

This sounds like it may be a neck or back problem that can be affected the spinal cord causing stiff legs and a tense abdomen. The pain in the back can make the abdomen tight. Is she able to walk or get up? That will tell you a good deal about how serious this is. She does need to go to the vet for blood work and exam to see which area is affected and what your treatment options are

Poor Pandora! I'm sorry she's not feeling well. She may have a back injury that's causing her pain. Other possibilities are some sort of GI disturbance such as pancreatitis, though a urinary problem would be possible as well. Female dogs don't have a prostate though and gallstones are not terribly common. If she's not improving over the course of the next few hours or is getting worse I would take her to the vet to be evaluated.

It sounds like something is causing her discomfort. She should really be examined by a vet, if it continues. She could have a problem with her back, neck, or abdomen causing her some pain. Your vet can do a thorough physical examination to localize the problem and then treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory or pain medications. Hope she feels better soon.

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!

I am very sorry to hear that Poppy is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. I would believe the most likely cause based on your description is that Poppy has a mild gastrointestinal infection or she ate something she shouldn't have. Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few days I would continue to monitor Poppy at home. Here is what you can do to help her; Rest Poppy's gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea if she develops any. If Poppy does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, Poppy seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian. Here are some links to helpful resources for you in case dirrhoea starts: https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Poppy feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.