Vomiting Dog

Dr. Marie replied:

Sorry to hear that Cayenne is not feeling well. I have some questions for you that will help me answer your questions:

1. How long has she been unwell for?

2. Take a look at her gums. Do they look dark pink, pale pink or white?

3. How is her activity level? Quiet or active?

4. Is she spayed?

Thanks! I'll be waiting for your replies.


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Dr. Marie replied:

OK, thanks for those answers. While I won't be able to give you an exact diagnosis online, I can tell you that I am concerned about what you are describing in Cayenne.

Here are a few possibilities:

My first concern is that she may have an infection in her uterus called pyometra. This is very serious. It usually happens about 2 months after a heat cycle (but it doesn't have to be exactly at this time.) The infection can cause the uterus to be extremely filled with pus. This could account for the large belly. If she has pyometra this is a life threatening emergency. The treatment is for her to be spayed immediately.

Some dogs with pyometra will have a yucky vaginal discharge, but not always. When dogs have a "closed" pyometra there is no discharge and the pus builds up in the abdomen. Most dogs with pyometra will be extra thirsty, but not always.

Another possible reason for a large belly in a dog is bloat. Usually though, dogs with bloat will be trying to vomit and nothing can come up. Bloat happens when the stomach fills up with air and then twists on itself. Again, it is life threatening and needs emergency treatment.

Another possible reason for a large abdomen is if she is bleeding into her abdomen. This could happen if she had a tumor on her spleen. If this is the case, then most dogs will have pale gums.

Another possibility is pancreatitis. Dogs sometimes get pancreatitis from eating fatty food, but sometimes we don't know why they get it. It shouldn't cause a big belly though (but then you said you weren't certain if the belly was big). It is a serious condition and needs to be treated with intravenous fluids given by your vet.

We do sometimes see dogs who can get mild vomiting just because they have eaten something that disagrees with them. But, this really shouldn't make her this quiet and she really shouldn't be vomiting when she drinks water. And, it definitely wouldn't cause a big belly.

Unfortunately it really sounds like Cayenne needs to see an emergency vet as soon as possible. Hopefully there is one nearby! In the meantime you can try giving her some unsweetened pedialyte (you can buy this at the pharmacy) which may help with any dehydration). But really she does need to see a vet.

I hope she is ok!

Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Wow! I'm so glad you were able to take her in! Let's hope for a full recovery!

Thank you for the nice feedback you sent. I was wondering if I could publish it along with a photo of you and Cayenne (if you have one). If you are able to send me a photo you can send it to photos@askavetquestion.com.

I hope she has a speedy recovery!

Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks so much! And I'm really glad to hear that Cayenne is better!