My dog has a hard, bloated stomach and won't eat. Need second opinion?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs
My miniature schnauzer, 5 years old, has had a swollen, sometimes feels hard, bloated stomach. She won't eat much but drinks a lot. Our regular veterinarian did an x-ray and found nothing wrong. I am still very worried. If the veterinarian doesn't show any worry, should I get a second opinion? Did this happen to anyone else or has an idea of what could be wrong?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 3rd, 2017
Hello. A hard bloated stomach could be due to many causes including an obstruction, pancreatitis, gastritis, liver disease, kidney disease, and other causes. An x-ray would rule out a foreign body/obstruction, however it wouldn't show a gastritis/pancreatitis. I would recommend having bloodwork done, and if she is painful and has a bloated abdomen then an ultrasound may be required. Your vet may try some medications first for pancreatitis/gastritis without getting a definitive diagnosis, as they are both treated the same. If she is still sore and bloated, I would have her seen again. Good luck with Baby.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 23rd, 2017
I am sorry Ellie is not feeling well. I do not think her going through heat is related to her bloated abdomen. Most likely the bloated abdomen is secondary to gastric upset, foreign body ingestion, toxin or infection. IF she is eating,drinking, acting normal and defecating properly I would continue to monitor and make sure the swelling/distension goes down. However, if she is acting painful, vomiting, not eating or defecating she needs to go to a vet as soon as possible. Bloated abdomens can be a medical emergency depending on the cause. I hope she feels better soon
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 22nd, 2019
Hi Jordan! I'm concerned about Roxy, and I see she isn't spayed. Her symptoms could be due to a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. This is fatal without treatment, so I would say yes, take her into an ER vet now. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh no! Poor Chrissy! I recommend taking Chrissy to an emergency hospital right away. My concern is that she is bloated which is an emergency. If she is bloated and she doesn't see a Vet it is deadly. I hope that isn't what is going on but it is serious enough that you need to have her checked. The vet can tell with one X-ray is she is bloated (gastric dilitation volvulus or GDV). Other causes could be foreign body (something is stuck), pancreatitis, or a reaction to something gross she ate. I wish you and Chrissy the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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