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Dog losing muscle, has hard belly, lethargic, and drinks more. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Collie | Female | spayed | 67 lbs

Hi! My dog buttons seems to have lost muscle in her shoulders and back legs I'm really worried! She also has a full belly look that's hard to the touch but hasn't been fed so far today she also seems lethargic and isn't herself somedays. Somedays she'll be running around the place as normal. She seems to be drinking a little bit more water than usual and eating fine. We have also reacently wormed her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 14th, 2017

Thank you for posting this question. There are several processes that can cause muscle wasting and distended belly. Cushings disorder is a common problem in older dogs where the body produces too much steroid hormone, but also certain types of kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or chronic gastrointestinal diseases can cause muscle wasting and fluid build up in the belly. Tumors can also have these signs. I would encourage you to have Buttons examined by her veterinarian to find out how best to help her. I wish her the best!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Buttons needs to have a physical examination by a vet to determine the cause of her problems. If her abdomen looks enlarged then she could have an enlarged organ, fluid accumulation, mass, Cushing's disease, etc. Your vet can take an x-ray to help diagnose. Your vet may also need to run some lab-work to rule out diseases that make dogs drink more, like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing's, etc. Please call your vet and schedule an appointment. I don't think this can be diagnosed and treated without some veterinary care.

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