Shih Tzu Bloated Stomach Symptoms: Signs, Tests, and Recovery

A bloated stomach in a Shih Tzu can be a concerning issue, but recognizing the symptoms early on is crucial to ensure your furry friend receives the right treatment.

The first sign of a bloated stomach in a Shih Tzu is often a swollen abdomen, which can be tender to the touch.

Shih Tzus with a bloated stomach may also exhibit vomiting, which can range from mild to severe, and may contain bile or be bright red.

If your Shih Tzu is experiencing a bloated stomach, it's essential to monitor their condition closely for any signs of severe vomiting or abdominal pain.

Dogs can get a swollen stomach due to various reasons, some of which are more serious than others. A swollen stomach can be a sign of a life-threatening condition known as GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus).

Some breeds, such as St. Bernards and Great Danes, are more prone to GDV due to their deep chested nature. In fact, most dogs that weigh over 99 pounds have a 20% higher risk of the disease.

Eating too quickly can also contribute to a swollen stomach. If your dog eats too fast, they may ingest excess air, leading to a gurgling stomach.

Additionally, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of bloat in dogs, including:

Obesity can also lead to a swollen stomach, as excess fat can accumulate in the abdomen. Simple causes of abdominal enlargement include intestinal parasites, obesity, and pregnancy.

A complete history and physical examination are crucial in determining the cause of abdominal enlargement in dogs. This includes checking for heart disease, organ enlargement, and the presence of free fluid or intestinal gas.

If you notice your Shih Tzu's stomach is bloated, it's crucial to recognize the signs quickly. Bloat can be an uncomfortable and painful condition for dogs.

An enlargement of the dog's abdomen is a common sign of bloat. You may also notice retching, salivation, and restlessness in your Shih Tzu.

Retching without vomiting any food is a common symptom of bloat. Sometimes, a dog might spit out white foam when trying to vomit, which is usually mucus from the esophagus or stomach.

If your Shih Tzu is experiencing sudden anxiety, pacing, or an inability to get comfortable, it could be a sign of bloat. They may also position their body in a downward-facing pose, with their back half up and upper half down.

Panting and drooling are also common symptoms of bloat in dogs. If your Shih Tzu collapses or has a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Here are some key symptoms to look out for:

If your Shih Tzu is experiencing bloated stomach symptoms, it's essential to determine the cause of the abdominal enlargement. Further testing is usually required to get to the bottom of it.

Your veterinarian may recommend doing screening tests, which are a series of simple tests that provide information about your pet's overall health. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.

A thorough physical examination is crucial in detecting any abnormalities that could explain the abdominal enlargement. This involves checking over the entire dog, listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and palpating the abdomen to identify any abnormalities.

Depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and screening tests, additional testing could include specific blood tests. These may be used if a particular disease or illness is suspected, such as Cushing's disease, liver disease, or hypothyroidism.

Imaging studies, like radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound, may be recommended to assess internal organs and look for possible abdominal masses. In some cases, more sophisticated techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT scan) may also be recommended if they are available.

If free fluid in the abdomen or a tumor is suspected, biopsies may be taken. These can be collected through the skin with the help of ultrasound or collected directly during surgical exploration of the abdomen.

Here are some common tests used to diagnose bloat in dogs:

Your veterinarian may also use fine needle aspiration to collect a sample of free fluid in the abdomen or a tumor. This sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis by a veterinary pathologist.

If you suspect your Shih Tzu has a bloated stomach, it's crucial to get them to a vet as quickly as possible. Treatment for GDV cannot be done alone and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Dogs with simple bloat are usually hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids and medication for pain or nausea as needed. They're also walked often to stimulate movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

A dog with GDV requires more intense care, which may include IV fluids with electrolytes, pain medications, antibiotics, trocharization, and surgery. Depending on the severity of bloat, a vet may have to untwist the dog's stomach and/or spleen.

A gastropexy procedure, which involves stitching the stomach to the body wall, significantly reduces the risk of rotation of the stomach in the future. This procedure is often performed after surgery.

After diagnosis, dogs with simple bloat tend to bounce back into their normal lives and routines one to two days after receiving fluids and taking frequent walks. The duration of a pup's hospital stay depends on their health history and severity of bloat.

Here are some general guidelines for post-surgical care:

If your dog is experiencing bloat, also known as GDV, it's crucial to get them to the vet immediately. They may exhibit symptoms like a swollen stomach, whining, difficulty defecating, or a weak pulse.

The vet will likely remove excess gas from the stomach, stabilize the heart rate, and manage shock. Surgery may be necessary, but only once your dog is more stable.

There are no home remedies for bloat in dogs, so hospitalization is usually required. Dogs with simple bloat may receive IV fluids and medication for pain or nausea as needed, and are walked often to stimulate movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

In severe cases of bloat, the vet may perform trocharization to decompress the air out of the stomach, and an ECG to monitor for any heart abnormalities. Surgery may be necessary, including untwisting the stomach and/or spleen, and removing any dead tissue.

Some common causes of gurgling noises in a dog's stomach include normal gas movement through the GI tract, hunger, or excessive gas ingestion from panting or exercising. If your dog eats too quickly, they may ingest excess air, causing their stomach to gurgle.

To prevent this, try encouraging your dog to eat slowly and consider smaller, more frequent meals and/or raised feeding bowls.

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If your dog's stomach is mildly upset, there are things you can do to help. Try a bland diet, which includes boiled chicken and rice with no additives, for 24 to 48 hours to see if the diarrhea improves.

If your dog vomits once or twice, withhold food for 12 hours and then introduce a small meal of a bland diet. However, if vomiting continues or is accompanied by other signs, veterinary care is indicated.

It's essential to monitor your dog's symptoms and seek veterinary attention if their stomach gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, drooling, or regurgitation.

Your vet will likely recommend tests, including full blood work, urinalysis, fecal evaluation, abdominal radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of your dog's stomach upset.

Common causes of gastrointestinal upset in dogs include dietary indiscretion, stress, and infectious causes. In some cases, your dog may have a gastrointestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or liver disease.

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Here are some potential causes of your dog's stomach upset, along with their symptoms:

Keep in mind that these are just potential causes, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian.

Preventing bloat in Shih Tzus requires some simple changes to their eating and exercise habits. Feeding your Shih Tzu twice or more daily, rather than once, can help prevent bloating.

Incorporating canned food into their diet can also be beneficial. Allowing your Shih Tzu to rest and digest after eating, rather than exercising on a full stomach, is also crucial.

To lower the risk of bloat, it's essential to not leave large bags or bins of food accessible to your Shih Tzu, as this can lead to overeating. You should also have your Shih Tzu wait at least one hour after a meal or drinking a large amount of water for any exercise or playtime.

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Here are some specific tips to prevent bloat in Shih Tzus:

If you're purchasing a Shih Tzu from a breeder, be sure to ask if there is any family history of bloat or GDV.

Dogs with simple bloat can bounce back into their normal lives and routines one to two days after receiving fluids and taking frequent walks.

After a gastropexy procedure, a dog will remain in the hospital until their pain is controlled and the dog is eating and drinking normally on their own.

A dog's hospital stay can last anywhere from one to two days to up to seven or more, depending on their health history and severity of bloat.

Follow your vet's discharge instructions regarding surgical aftercare, which typically includes 10 to 14 days of rest, monitoring the incision, and giving oral medications.

It's essential to purchase a cone or recovery suit to help keep your pup from licking/chewing at their surgical incision during recovery.

Prevention is key when it comes to preventing GDV and bloat in dogs. Feeding your dog twice or more daily, rather than once, can help lower the risk. Incorporating canned food into their diet can also be beneficial.

Allowing your dog to rest and digest after eating is crucial. Avoid exercising your dog on a full stomach, as this can put pressure on their stomach and increase the risk of GDV.

Some breeds are more prone to GDV, so it's essential to discuss preventative surgery with your veterinarian if your dog is a predisposed breed. This surgery, called a gastropexy, can be performed at a younger age.

To lower the risk of bloat, follow these simple tips:

Deep-chested breeds like St. Bernards and Great Danes are more likely to experience GDV. In fact, most dogs that weigh over 99 pounds have a 20% higher risk of the disease. Older dogs between 7 and 12 years of age are also at risk.