ABDOMINAL PAIN
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Abdominal pain can range from mild GI irritation to life-threatening emergencies. Pets may hunch, guard their belly, pace, hide, or vocalize
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD CAUSES
• Gas
• Mild food intolerance
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Pancreatitis
• Gastritis/enteritis
• Kidney pain
• Liver inflammation
• IBD flare
• Ulcers
EMERGENCY CAUSES
• GDV (dogs)
• Obstruction
• Internal bleeding
• Peritonitis
• Severe pancreatitis
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Pain + vomiting
• Pain + collapse
• Hard or swollen abdomen
• Persistent crying
• Pain lasting >1–2 hours
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Keep pet calm
• Offer water
• Soft, bland diet only if not vomiting
Do not give Tylenol, Advil, Aleve — all dangerous to pets.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Abdominal palpation
• X-rays (free gas, obstruction)
• Ultrasound (pancreas, GI wall)
• Bloodwork (organ function)
• Urinalysis
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Pancreatitis
• Gastritis
• IBD
• Kidney disease
• Obstruction
• GDV
BREEDS OR AGES AT HIGHER RISK
• Deep-chested dogs (GDV)
• Senior cats (IBD, pancreatitis)
• Young pets (foreign bodies)
WHEN YOU SHOULD SCHEDULE A VETERINARY VISIT
• Immediately for moderate/severe pain
• Same day for mild but persistent pain
EXPECTED RECOVERY TIME
• Mild upset: 24 hours
• Pancreatitis: weeks
• Obstruction: surgery
• GDV: emergency surgery
HOW THIS SYMPTOM RELATES TO LONGEVITY
Abdominal pain often signals early organ decline or chronic GI disease — both major determinants of lifespan.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A LONGEVITY CONSULT
• Chronic/intermittent abdominal pain
• Senior pets
• Organ disease
• Weight loss