My dog has a sunken spot under his rib. Is it serious without pain?

Question

I have noticed a small area (more prevalent in last 6 weeks) which seems to have a convex depression in it right underneath his smallest rib on one side. It's as if the muscle or fat in that area is uneven and sinking in a little bit. Before I take him to the local vet here I just want to know of it is really serious or not. He is seemingly in no pain or suferring from it in anyway. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 55 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. This is pretty interesting. Are you sure he just does not have an area of thinning hair? This can sometimes look like a depression in the skin. If not, then muscle can atrophy & shrink a bit if there was some possible injury or trauma to the area. Unfortunately, I just can not tell you if this is serious or not & the best thing to do is have him evaluated, especially if you are sure that this is not thinning hair & when you run your hand over the area, there is a real indentation or depression. I know of no actual disease or condition that would cause this in such a young dog, other than the atrophy previously mentioned. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My dog has a sunken spot under his rib. Is it serious without pain?

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