Abdominal swelling

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Abdominal swelling can occur due to the enlargement of one of the organs within the abdomen or the build up of free abdominal fluid.

The stomach may become distended with gas resulting in a gastric dilation. This most commonly occurs in large breeds of dog following a meal and the abdominal swelling occurs rapidly (within hours). The dog becomes breathless and distressed and the swollen stomach often rotates within the abdomen to produce a gastric torsion. The abdomen becomes very tense – like a drum. If uncorrected the dog will die in great distress within a couple of hours.  THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

Tumours within the abdominal organs may cause abdominal enlargement. The swelling usually takes some weeks / months to develop and the symptoms will vary according to the organ affected. Tumours (particularly those of the spleen) may rupture causing bleeding into the abdominal cavity.

In an entire bitch, the womb may enlarge as a result of pregnancy. The gestation period in the dog is usually 63 days and marked abdominal swelling is noticeable from about 45 days. It is therefore important you know the dates of the last season.

An alternative cause of enlargement of the womb is a pyometra. This usually follows a season by 4 – 6 weeks and is the result of infection developing within the womb. The additional symptoms may include a purulent or bloody vaginal discharge, and the toxins produced within the womb often cause a marked increase in thirst, reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Heart failure may result in clear abdominal fluid (ASCITES) building up within the abdomen, giving the dog a “pear-shaped” appearance. Other signs of heart disease such as exercise intolerance and coughing / breathlessness may be present. Ascites can also result from liver disease or anaemia.

What your veterinarian will want to know

Probably the most important observation is how quickly the swelling has occurred.  It is essential to decide if a gastric dilation / torsion is a possibility at the outset.

Secondly is it associated with other symptoms such as pain, distress, weakness, coughing, exercise intolerance, an excessive thirst or weight loss.

In the case of an un-neutered bitch, it would be important to know when she had her last season, and if there is a previous history of pregnancy, phantom pregnancies or irregular cycles.

What your veterinarian may do

A gastric dilation / torsion can normally be diagnosed from the history and clinical examination. An X-ray would confirm the presence of a gas-filled stomach.

An X- ray may be useful to demonstrate an enlarged organ, but the image is often obliterated if there is free fluid present. For this reason an ultrasound is often preferred. This will show the presence of free fluid as well as the internal structure of the organs.

Sampling of any free abdominal fluid or biopsy of specific organs may be useful. Blood samples to assess organ function may be of value, especially if surgical intervention is considered.

X Rays and ultrasound of the heart and chest may be appropriate if heart failure is suspected. A chest X-ray would also be important if an abdominal tumour is found since the presence of secondary tumours in the chest would influence the prognosis and treatment options.