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Why does my dog suddenly have a pot belly?

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Why does my dog suddenly have a pot belly?

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If your pet suddenly has a pot belly, it’s no laughing matter. A distended abdomen can be dangerous. When a dog becomes bloated, gas or fluid fills his stomach and stretches it full. Although the bloating may just go away, the stomach can twist on itself. This condition – called gastric torsion - is serious, and can even be life-threatening. If a dog develops gastric torsion, surgeons will need to untwist the stomach and try to repair any damage to the stomach wall.

Large breeds of dogs such as Labs, Irish Wolfhounds, and Boxers tend to be the most susceptible to gastric torsion. So if your dog’s at risk and develops a distended belly, immediately discuss the problem with your veterinarian.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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