How to Recognize and Treat Abdominal Distension in Dogs
Dogs that experience abdominal distension have a larger than normal abdominal cavity.This can occur for many reasons such as a tear in your canine’s urinary tract or the presence of a tumor. Because this condition can be a sign of a life threatening condition, it’s important to seek immediate care.
Instructions
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Evaluate your canine for symptoms of abdominal distension. Dogs that experience this condition will have a sudden change in abdominal size. They may also have a loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. Make note of your canine’s symptoms to discuss with her doctor.
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Take your canine to the animal hospital for examination. Give your vet or animal hospital a call about your canine’s symptoms. This will ensure the staff is ready to treat your dog upon arrival. Keeping yourself calm will help your canine remain relaxed.
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Request a full physical of your canine. Ask that X-rays, blood tests and urine analysis be conducted. These tests will assist the vet in determining the cause of your canine’s abdominal distension.
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Partner with your dog’s doctor to create a treatment plan. If excess fluids are the cause of the condition, the affected area will need to be drained. If the organs are the issue, your canine may require surgery. Make sure your dog is given pain medication to keep him comfortable.
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Keep a close eye on your dog when released from the hospital. Your dog will need constant monitoring when you bring him home. Look for complications such as vomiting, loss of appetite or any other behavior that appears out of character. If your dog is recovering from surgery, check the affected area daily for signs of infection, such as redness and swelling.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide a quiet place for your dog to rest. When your canine is healing it’s important to have a quite place to retreat. Wash all of his bedding and provide a few favorite toys. If he’s recovering from surgery reduce his activity and keep him on a leash during bathroom breaks.
Take a conservative approach with this condition. Many dog owners have a hard time determining when it’s appropriate to rush their dog to the vet. Since the underlying causes of this condition can be life-threatening, you should error on the side of caution.
