Ask the Veterinarian/my dog

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/27/2010


Question
my dog seems to have bloat went to vet took x ray said something wasn't right gave him some laxative and took blood work waiting on results don't have faith in him - could bloat be the problem since vet didn't even mention that I found that online. Quit eating can see his ribs and his stomach seems swelled and in pain. Please help .My dog is a 9 year old german sheperd and never was sick before.

Answer
Is your dog on heartworm prevention? Does he get into horse or cattle feed?

From what you are describing it sounds like he could be in liver failure. A dog with end-stage heartworm disease will look just like you described because the liver starts to fail and the belly bloats up with fluid. The ribs show because the dog is actually emaciated and has no muscle mass left.

This can also happen with cancer as well as heartworms. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it isn't a good thing from what you are describing.

It isn't bloat because a dog with bloat left untreated will die in about 25 minutes or less. Bloat is a true emergency that requires surgical intervention and care.

I asked about the horse or cattle feed because a dog can also have liver failure from eating these things and getting into a mold that is on the grain. However, that is more of a sudden liver failure. What your dog has is something that has been going on for a while.

The fluid buildup in his belly is called acites. It is just the fluid from the liver not being able to filter it anymore and send it to the bladder, etc. The heart also suffers and the lungs will fill up with fluid making the dog cough. This is also a sign of heartworm disease even if the liver isn't failing.

You really need to check back with the vet and get his lab results. If you don't have faith in your vet then find one you like.


I am truly sorry to hear about your dog being in so much pain. Since he looks to you for relief and care, you must make a decision soon about ending his pain and suffering. He loves you and relies on you, so if the vet tells you that he is suffering, give him the gift of caring enough to end his pain. I know you will make the right choice when the time comes.

If you find out what he has please let me know.

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.