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Medication Finder
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Ever wondered if you could
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Abdominal Pain
How do you know when your pet's belly hurts? The symptoms vary, but you
will definitely be able to tell that they do not feel well. Dogs will become
lethargic, curl in a tight ball, vomit, whimper, have diarrhea, or run a fever.
Some even assume a "prayer position" that is similar to a dog bowing. In
some cases, you can actually see the abdomen is bloated.
Cats will become lethargic, lay with their legs under them tightly, and may
cry when you pick them up. Some will not jump up on things as readily. Cats
can also run a fever.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, take them to your
veterinarian immediately. There is a chance that there is a benign reason
for your pet's symptoms, such as a mild gastrointestinal virus, but odds are
that it is probably something more serious. Abdominal pain in any animal
should never be ignored! The longer you wait, the sicker your animal will
become. This equals poorer prognosis and higher medical bills.

The following list contains the most common reasons for an animal to
exhibit abdominal pain, but by no means lists them all. Your veterinarian will
perform a thorough exam, blood work, and radiographs to determine the
cause of your pet's discomfort.

           Dogs:                                         
  • Intestinal foreign body
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastric Dilitation-Volvulus
  • Splenic mass
  • Fluid accumulation from heart or liver disease
  • Cancer
  • Blocked urinary bladder
  • Ruptured bladder


            Cats:
  • Foreign body, especially string
  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis
  • Blocked urinary bladder, especially in males
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Cancer