My senior dog is bloated, in pain, and can't walk. Is it bloat?

Question

Hello, my cocker spaniel is having trouble walking. Also her stomach feels very tough like a rock. Also she is very bloated looking and it's making it hard for her to walk to a point where she just sits and drags herself across the floor. It's clear to see she's in pain, even when laying down she cries and whines from pain. She's about 10 years old.

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor pup! From your description, it sounds like something is seriously wrong. Trouble walking could be caused by arthritis, a neurologic problem like a stroke or herniated disc in the spine, or generalized weakness due to a severe illness of some kind. A bloated abdomen can be caused by GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus, or "bloat"), which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air and twists on itself; other possible causes would include congestive heart failure, an abdominal tumor, liver failure, or internal bleeding. These signs are indicative of a severe, possibly life-threatening problem that needs immediate veterinary care, so I would recommend taking your dog to an emergency vet right away. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help her.

My senior dog is bloated, in pain, and can't walk. Is it bloat?

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