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Why is my unspayed dog's stomach hard, bleeding, and she's weak?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | unspayed | 20 lbs

Hey my dog which is a girl and a poodle, stomach is hard as a rock and is bleeding in her vaginal area (being in heat) but she is weak and can’t not be pregnant because she just started to be in heat and she’s middle age like 8. She has no appetite and can barely walk.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 4th, 2018

Poor Saltay! I'm afraid it sounds like something is seriously wrong. Based on the symptoms you're describing here, I would be concerned that she may have a serious uterine infection called a pyometra - this is a life-threatening emergency that is unfortunately common in middle-aged and older intact females. If this is the problem, she will likely need emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus. Other possible causes of an enlarged stomach, weakness, and decreased appetite would include congestive heart failure, some type of cancer in the abdomen, or internal bleeding.

I would strongly recommend taking Saltay to an emergency clinic tonight for an exam, as it may not be safe to wait until morning. The veterinarian there can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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