I have a German Shep. who has suddenly taken to rolling around alot, and I have noticed that instead of standing, he prefers to always be laying or sitting on his rear, which is not normal for him. A friend said he may have Twisted Stomach, I am not familiar with that, but I can tell he is uncomfortable and something is bothering him. Does anyone know what could cause this, and should I take him to the vet or be alarmed ?? Thanks :-)
2006-09-07 05:24:05 · 9 answers · asked by mamaG 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If the only issue was the rolling, I'd suggest that he might have fleas/skin problem and he's trying to scatch his back.
However the part about not seeming comfortable standing doesn't go along with that. I don't know enough about dog anatomy to offer a definitive answer but it sounds like perhaps some muscle might be strained or something wrong with his spine...
If his stomach was twisted, he'd probably be exhibiting some other signs like vomiting, bloating in the abdomen, lethargy, not eating. Any deep chested dogs are prone to a twisted stomach, which includes German Shephards. If it is that, you want to get it checked out ASAP so that further damage is not done to his intestines.
The bottom line is yes, you should get him to the vet. This doesn't sound like a basic, day or two problem like 'my dog has diarhhea but it went away after a day'. Definitely see your vet ASAP!
2006-09-07 05:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by stimply 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
May have an itch of dry skin, but not likely bloat - twisted stomach. Bloat they will not be able to eat or drink. Give him a good bath with a conditioning shampoo.
Bloat is more common in excessively large dogs. Newfs, pyr anatolian shepards and I have heard of a few large labs. It is common to have the stomach sewn to the abdomen wall when getting them spayed. The stomach pouch actually twists and the food can not get in. With the large breeds you do not want to feed them before they play and you need to feed them in the elevated bowls.
2006-09-07 06:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dogs rolls around all the time either to scratch his back or playing, but if your dog seems uncomfortable take him to the vet. I have heard of bloat in dogs and usually their side is extended and they are very uncomfortable. You should pay attention and make sure he is going to the bathroom, if his stomach is blocked (twisted) he will not be able to have a bowel movement.
2006-09-07 06:16:05 · answer #3 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he seems uncomfortable it very well could be a twisted stomach, if you think that could be the case go to the vet asap, it is fatal unless treated. Even if you aren't sure take him to the vet. Its better to be overcautious than wait until its to late!
2006-09-07 05:32:04 · answer #4 · answered by nc_hpoa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if he's itchy. I don't think you need to worry about his stomach. If bloat (Gastric torsion) was his problem, he'd be eating grass like a lunatic, that'd be the time for a speedy trip to the vet.
Check him for fleas. If there is no sign, it's possible he has hives. If that's the case, the vet can certainly help.
2006-09-07 08:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet, he can have any number of things causing him discomfort and he can't talk and tell you what it is. Please be safe, not sorry. Go today, you'll both be better off for it.. Good luck, take care of your pup.
2006-09-07 05:31:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it's because they've found something dead to roll on -it can even be a bug. They think carrion smells great.
2006-09-07 05:29:13 · answer #7 · answered by yahoohoo 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't be alarmed!. They're probably just itching their backs just like we do. It will be fine.
2006-09-07 06:14:43 · answer #8 · answered by cponce66720 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if I was you I would take him in just to be on the safe side !!!!!! Good Luck
2006-09-07 05:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by sxypiggy2000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋