Causes and treatment of swelling of your dog’s stomach

Peritonitis

This is another possible cause of stomach swelling in dogs; this serious bacterial infection is usually caused by puncture or rupture of your dog’s stomach or intestine, due to splinters from a bone, ulcers, tumours, or other causes.{{more}} Peritonitis can also occur if the gallbladder or urinary bladder ruptures.

This is extremely painful; a dog with peritonitis may be listless, reluctant to move, have a swollen abdomen, or vomit. Shock is likely, so emergency treatment is crucial.

Treatment for peritonitis may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief. Surgery will also be necessary to repair the puncture, remove the infected fluids, and flush the abdomen.

Cushing’s Syndrome

A dog with a pot-bellied look may have Cushing’s syndrome, a condition caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. More common in dogs six years or older, other signs of Cushing’s syndrome include eating, drinking, and urinating more, as well as hair loss.

Cushing’s syndrome is usually caused by the pituitary gland overproducing a hormone; less commonly, it is due to a tumour on one of the adrenal glands. Treatment for the pituitary-dependent Cushing’s requires lifelong oral medication, while surgery to remove the tumour is usually recommended for adrenal-dependent Cushing’s.

Ascites

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, often leading to swelling. Ascites can be caused by a wide range of problems, including heart failure, liver disease, kidney problems, or severe intestinal disease. Treatment for ascites varies, depending on the condition causing it.

Other Causes of Dog Stomach Swelling

Stomach swelling in dogs can also result from the dog eating too much all at once, internal bleeding due to trauma or a rupture of mass, intestinal obstruction, or tumours. Severe roundworm infection in puppies can also cause a swollen abdomen.

Tips to Prevent Stomach Problems in Your Dog

To help prevent stomach problems, be sure to take your dog in for regular check-ups so that your vet can keep tabs on the health of your pet’s heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, and other organs.

A quick exam of your dog’s abdomen can also help you recognize some of the signs of stomach trouble. To examine your dog’s stomach, feel for tenderness to touch, heat, stickiness, lumps, and of course swelling. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice any problems.

For further information, contact: Dr Collin Boyle Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd

Tel: 456 4981

Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com