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Is the bone I feel on my dog's belly, near his ribs, normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | neutered | 2 years and 8 months old | 13 lbs

Hi I was rubbing my dogs belly when he was lying on his back and felt a bone in between his rib cage I googled and it says it’s xiphiod cartilage. I just wanted to know if this is a deformity or normal ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2018

That is completely normal and sometimes could be more prominent. Nothing to be worried about. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The xiphoid is the breast bone. All mammals have one. It connects the rib cage and is comprised of bone and cartilage. This is what it looks like: https://www.louisdonald.com/theforequarterofthegermanshepherddog.html Scroll down to "The Ribcage" This is perfectly normal.

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