Sick puppy?

6 week old pitbull had diarrhea for a couple days. Thought was change in food. Gave back food. Now acting as if constipated but did poop, straining constantly whining as if in pain, belly bloated also noticed a pimple like lump on tummy. please help.



Hi
There could be a number of reasons for your puppy's problems, but the only way to get a proper diagnosis is to take him to the veterinarian.

I can give you a few suggestions as to what may be causing the pain and straining, but I strongly recommend you get him to see a vet. very soon.

Did your puppy eat anything he shouldn't, for example chew up and swallow a toy, or crunch up a bone, steal stuff from the trash etc? The straining and pain could be because he has something lodged in his intestinal tract/colon, something that he can't digest and pass.

The pimple like swelling you notice on his abdomen, could be a hernia. They're not terribly unusual, and are basically a 'hole' in the muscle wall where the intestines can push through. Generally the intestines push out, and then in again by themselves, or can be pushed back with gentle pressure. However, occasionally the muscles 'trap' the intestines (this could possibly happen from straining as your puppy may have done if he had diarrhea).

Both the above scenarios require immediate, emergency veterinary help as they could lead to serious illness or death if left untreated.

I don't want to frighten you unduly, but it sounds as though your puppy is definitely suffering more than a little tummy upset from a change in diet. Constant whimpering and pain need to be investigated quickly.

I wish you and your little guy the best of luck and hope that it turns out to be nothing serious, but please do get him to a veterinarian quickly, it's always better to be safe than sorry.