Is there a WebMd for pets? Or Dis Vet?

[paintnolish]

I have a call into our vet, but they are all booked up for today. My 10 year old Sheltie's sides seem swollen (I think). He is chubby but between his ribs and hips, his sides seem to bulge out a bit and are hard. He doesn't mind me touching them and is acting normaly. He does seem a bit gassier than usual, but I just attributed it to old age. I googled this a little bit and came up with bloat. Any ideas? It is possible that he's been like this all the time or as he's gotten fatter. He just went to the groomer and was a poof ball for the past few months, so I maybe I am now noticing this since he is cleaned up. What do you think?

 

[Scurvy]

Did you mention to the vet that you're afraid it could be bloat? As quickly as that can become fatal, I'm surprised they didn't try to work you in!

It could just be that he's gotten a little fat and you didn't notice - that happened with my Sheltie. If your Sheltie's stomach also swollen? I'd be less concerned if his belly seems normal, but if it's also swollen and firm that's not at all good. If there's any possibility that it's bloat he really needs to see a vet ASAP.

 

[paintnolish]

I did read about bloat (his belly is not swollen) and that's what prompted me to call the vet! They don't have any appointments today or tomorrow and then of course, it is TGiving. The dr. called back and didn't seem to concerned since I first noticed this a few days ago (right after he'd been groomed) and he is otherwise normal. He said it was kidney fat! The dog is due for his shots so he said'd they'd give him a look next week, but he was pretty sure it was nothing.

 

[minkydog]

My dog started developing fatty tumors around teh age of 8. They are large or small firm tumors just under the skin. They are "smushable" and they move with the skin when you pinch it up (not sure if I'm describing this well--these tumors are very moveable.) Minky doesn't cry out when you touch them. I suppose we could have them taken off, but since they aren't bothering him we'll just leave them alone. I've heard that these kind of tumors are very common in older dogs.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I doubt it is Bloat as he would be in acute distress if it was.

Does he seem short of breath at all? It could be abdominal ascites, which could be a sign of many things, including liver or heart disease.

Or if he's heavy to begin with, he could just be getting a little chubbier.

He's probably ok to wait until they can see him, unless something changes.

Be careful with salty foods over the holidays. If it is a collection of fluid in his belly, this can make it worse. Also be sure he's peeing good amounts.

 

[paintnolish]

No, but he sometimes snores loudly. Right now he is playing tug of war with a rope bone and our other Sheltie. He seems fine. He has bursts of puppy energy in between naps- same as always. Since he is getting older (and my baby) I worry about him! Thanks for the replies!