ABDOMINAL ENLARGEMENT IN INTACT FEMALE (PREGNANCY VS PYOMETRA)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
A swollen abdomen can mean pregnancy, pyometra, bloat, or fluid accumulation.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain
MEDICAL
• Pyometra
• Organ enlargement
• Tumors
• Ascites
EMERGENCY
• Closed pyometra
• Internal bleeding
RED FLAGS
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Discharge
• Lethargy
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
None—requires evaluation.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Ultrasound
• CBC
• Temperature
• Imaging
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Pregnancy
• Pyometra
• Mass
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Immediate: illness + swelling
• 1–2 days: suspected pregnancy
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Pyometra is life-threatening.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Critical after recovery.