Your Why do my dogs ribs look so big? A Complete Guide

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This depends on many factors; how long the pet has had GDV, the degree of shock, the severity of the condition, cardiac problems, stomach wall necrosis, length of surgery, etc. Even in relatively uncomplicated cases, there is a mortality rate of 15-20% for GDV. In a recent study, if heart arrhythmias were also present at the time of diagnosis, the mortality rate increased to 38%; if tissue damage was severe enough to require removal of part of the stomach, the mortality rate jumped to 28% to 38%; if the spleen was removed, the mortality rate was 32% to 38%.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is a life threatening disorder most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs, although any dog may be affected.

In its early stage, the stomach fills with gas, causing a simple gastric dilatation or “bloat”. Sometimes, the condition progresses no further than a bloat. A GDV is a progression of the bloat into a volvulus, in which the huge, gas-filled stomach twists upon itself so that both the entrance and exit of the stomach become blocked.

What is Distended Abdomen in Dogs?

The term abdominal enlargement in dogs (or abdominal distension) is used to describe the circumstance in which a dogs belly appears to bulge or be larger in certain areas. The enlargement can take place as a result of a variety of factors.

  • An accumulation of air, fat, or fluids.
  • The presence of masses or tumors.
  • Enlarged organs.

    • While some forms of abdominal enlargement in dogs are obvious, not all forms of abdominal enlargement are easily detected by dog owners. It takes many years of hands-on experience for veterinarians to palpate the abdomen and detect slight abnormalities such as enlarged organs.

    If you notice abdominal enlargement/distention, see your vet. Your vet will likely start with a physical exam and part of that will entail palpating your dogs abdomen. Your dogs abdomen will be inspected for distention, asymmetry (one side different from the other), the presence of fluid or gas, enlargement of organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys, the distention of the stomach, intestines, or bladder, the presence of masses, and the enlargement of the dogs bladder or uterus.

    Community Q&ASearch

  • Question How is bloat diagnosed in dogs? Ray Spragley, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University. Ray Spragley, DVM Veterinarian Expert Answer Your vet may look for signs of a swollen abdomen, pacing behavior, a look of worry, excessive and unproductive retching, rapid breathing that indicates pain, and/or nausea-related drooling.

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  • Whilst the anatomy of deep-chested dogs predisposes them to bloat, potentially this condition can affect any dog, regardless of breed. Therefore is sound practice never to exercise a dog after eating, and always wait a couple of hours before vigorous exercise. ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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    Among so many other things, making sure your dog maintains a healthy weight is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Being overweight or underweight can increase the risk of health problems for your dog and even limit their lifespan. With obesity on the rise in the pet population, dog owners need to know how to make sure their dogs are in shape.

    Many owners keep track of their dog’s weight by checking it on the scales. Whilst this is a great way to monitor weight, it doesn’t always give a true reflection of your dog’s health. Within breeds, sizes of dogs can vary and some dogs can be heavier than others, even when they’re in ideal condition. So along with weighing your pet regularly, it’s advisable for owners to learn how to Body Condition Score (BCS) their dog.