What Would You Do if It Was Your Dog: What Is Wrong with Suki?

Suki

7 years old at the time
Labrador/Beagle Mix
spayed female


The first thing that stood out about Suki when she was adopted at the age of 7 was a low-hanging nelly. It was the first time Suki's mom had a dog. Was Suki pregnant? Overweight? Or is there something wrong with Suki?

Suki's new mom took her for a veterinary exam.


The vet assured them that the belly was nothing to worry about.

A week later, Suki was back at the clinic with digestive issues. They were seen by a different vet but received the same answer. The belly is nothing to worry about.

On the third visit with a cut on Suki's paw, yet another vet ensured them to not worry about the hanging belly once again.

Then Suki saw the fourth vet when she was in for a check-up on her paw injury.


This ver found Suki's belly alarming and suggested taking x-rays. This lead to a diagnosis of a tumor in Suki's abdomen as well as the potential of Cushing's disease.

Suki's mom left the clinic distraught.


She was upset at the diagnosis and prognosis she was just given, and she was upset at the three vets dismissing the problem. That's when Suki's mom decided to get a second opinion and an ultrasound.

Do you think Suki had Cushing's disease and cancer? What would you make of the hanging belly in the absence of other symptoms? What would you do if it was your dog?

Read Suki's story here.



Help others 

Share your story for a chance to win a free copy of Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog. To share your dog's story, email me at ranchjasmine@gmail.com


What is your dog telling you about their health?


Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog now available in paperback and Kindle. Each chapter includes notes on when it is an emergency.

Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog is an award-winning guide to help you better understand what your dog is telling you about their health and how to best advocate for them. 

Learn how to see and how to think about changes in your dog’s appearance, habits, and behavior. Some signs that might not trigger your concern can be important indicators that your dog needs to see a veterinarian right away. Other symptoms, while hard to miss, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping, are easy to spot but can have a laundry list of potential causes, some of them severe or even life-threatening. 

Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog is a dog health advocacy guide 101. It covers a variety of common symptoms, including when each of them might be an emergency. 

An award-winning guide for dog parents

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