critical urgency

Bloated Abdomen in Dogs & Cats

Distended or swollen belly. In dogs, can indicate life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat). Always urgent.

Common Causes

  • • GDV/bloat (dogs)
  • • Fluid accumulation (ascites)
  • • Organ enlargement
  • • Pregnancy
  • • Intestinal obstruction
  • • Pyometra

Red Flags

  • • Non-productive retching (trying to vomit, nothing comes up)
  • • Rapid onset distension
  • • Restlessness and pacing
  • • Pale gums
  • • Collapse

When to See a Vet

Immediately. Abdominal distension in dogs is an emergency until proven otherwise (GDV kills within hours).

🐕 Bloated Abdomen by Dog Breed

🐈 Bloated Abdomen by Cat Breed

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