Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 7 months old | 65 lbs
My dog is very lethargic, she has a swollen abdomen, short shallow breaths and panting abnormally. Can u tell me what could be wrong from her symptoms?
1 Answer
Published on May 20th, 2017
Oh dear! I'm afraid these are very concerning symptoms. I can't say for sure what might be wrong without being able to examine her and do some testing, but the most worrisome possibilities in an older, large-breed dog like this would include a bleeding abdominal tumor, congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a serious uterine infection called a pyometra. All of these problems are very serious - I'm afraid this is a medical emergency that really can't wait. I would recommend taking Indya to the nearest emergency vet right away. The vet on duty can do blood work and x-rays to help determine what's wrong and see what can be done to help her.
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