Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog growls when I touch her stomach. Does she need an ER vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 30.25 lbs

This is my reply to the answer I just got from Rodrigo Roca: they did blood work the other day as well. It said her blood count was up but they thought that was due to UTI. When the vet checked, she was fine when her stomach was palpated, today she is growling at me when I palpate her stomach and she never growls. I do not want to take her to ER vet if I don't have to as they are so much more expensive, but do not want to wait too long either.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2017

It definitely sounds like Luna is very painful!! Different dogs can have varying types of pain tolerance and it may be that Luna does not tolerate pain as well. However I would hate to miss something more serious on a presumption that she is just not as tolerant of pain. Cost is definitely something to consider as ER visits can rack up a higher cost than your veterinarian may. Unfortunately, that may be the best for Luna if she just isn't feeling and acting quite right. I would add that if she is otherwise eating and drinking normally, and not having any vomiting or diarrhea or any of the other signs mentioned on the previous thread then I would be less worried about rushing her to the ER and may give her a little more time. If her bloodwork was fine a couple of days ago then perhaps the metacam could help control her pain a little better and reduce the inflammation a UTI can cause. However, know that kidney values can change in short periods of time, thus I would still recommend having a veterinarian that has looked at Luna make the recommendation for or against metacam or NSAIDs. Also consider, that there are other causes for pain in a Beagle that may not be associated with her UTI. In a Beagle I would want to check for back pain, neck pain, or abdominal pain (pancreatitis, kidney disease, foreign bodies, or even liver disease). All of these may benefit from pain medication and even NSAIDs, but some of these could require more aggressive medical or surgical management.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It definitely sounds like Luna is very painful!! Different dogs can have varying types of pain tolerance and it may be that Luna does not tolerate pain as well. However I would hate to miss something more serious on a presumption that she is just not as tolerant of pain. Cost is definitely something to consider as ER visits can rack up a higher cost than your veterinarian may. Unfortunately, that may be the best for Luna if she just isn't feeling and acting quite right. I would add that if she is otherwise eating and drinking normally, and not having any vomiting or diarrhea or any of the other signs mentioned on the previous thread then I would be less worried about rushing her to the ER and may give her a little more time. If her bloodwork was fine a couple of days ago then perhaps the metacam could help control her pain a little better and reduce the inflammation a UTI can cause. However, know that kidney values can change in short periods of time, thus I would still recommend having a veterinarian that has looked at Luna make the recommendation for or against metacam or NSAIDs. Also consider, that there are other causes for pain in a Beagle that may not be associated with her UTI. In a Beagle I would want to check for back pain, neck pain, or abdominal pain (pancreatitis, kidney disease, foreign bodies, or even liver disease). All of these may benefit from pain medication and even NSAIDs, but some of these could require more aggressive medical or surgical management.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored