Inflated belly in a dog causes. Gradual increase in the volume of the abdomen in a dog

Acute and sudden bloating in dogs followed by gastric volvulus is a life-threatening condition for the pet, with a high mortality rate within hours/minutes. For large breeds, bloating (stomach) is one of the common causes of death.

Bloating Syndrome Basics

An acute pathological condition in a dog is characterized by the following points:

· Acute bloating and reversal of the stomach (severe form of IAD);

Development of circular collapse, impaired blood supply to organs and tissues (death in 20% of cases);

Often there is a development of cardiac arrhythmias after the elimination of the IAD;

· When contacting the veterinary center, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the degree of change in the blood supply;

On palpation, the results will vary greatly, from slight changes to swelling with a "drum" sound on percussion;

The most important thing is to quickly eliminate the circulatory collapse, surgical intervention is started later;

· The main direction in treatment is the differentiation of VZh and VZh, decompensation of the stomach and, in the presence of volvulus, its return to its normal position with mandatory fixation. Subsequently, the treatment of possible complications.

Etiology of the disease

Bloating of the abdomen (stomach) in a dog develops for reasons that are not fully established. Only predisposing factors are known:

· Sudden movements, jumps, active walk immediately after feeding;

· Large and giant dog breeds;

· Feed once a day with bulky/light-fermenting foods or feeds.

What's happening?

In the first minutes, the stomach bloats with gases and food, this phenomenon is reversible, but passes very quickly. Unfortunately, most owners do not have sufficient knowledge and simply do not notice the primary signs of pathology. When the volvulus occurs, the stomach twists around the esophagus, resulting in an airtight container. In the process of continuing fermentation, gases accumulate in large quantities (usually they leave in the form of belching), which sharply increases the pressure in the stomach.

In almost a short time, the stomach develops like a balloon and begins to put pressure on the organs, the movements of the diaphragm become difficult, which leads to respiratory failure. The animal often breathes, the mucous membranes turn pale, and as a result of clamping of large blood vessels, a severe disruption of the heart and death occurs.

What the owner may notice, symptoms

Bloating with signs of volvulus:

At first, the pet starts to get very worried, does not find a place for himself, whines, groans;

Frequent urge to burp/vomit. At the same time, the animal cannot "squeeze" anything out of itself. At the same time, bloating begins, breathing quickens, becomes superficial.

· The animal becomes weaker, the urge to burp/vomit disappear.

Important! If your dog has bloating and gastric volvulus, IMMEDIATE veterinary attention is needed. The real survival limit is no more than 10 hours from the onset of the first symptoms to surgery.

· Feed with activated charcoal;

Knead, press on the stomach;

Give a laxative or an enema.

General physical condition

The pet is in a state of shock, the mucous membranes are pale, the pulse is weak, poor filling and rapid. Sometimes an enlarged spleen is felt due to stagnation of blood, dyspnea is observed, due to aspiration of vomit, or when a swollen stomach interferes with breathing.

With untimely assistance, the stomach ruptures, bloating disappears and the dog gets better for minutes, but later collapse (coma) develops due to shock.

What will they do in the veterinary center?

The diagnosis will be established, if necessary, an X-ray examination will be performed. The success of the operation depends on the speed of the reaction of the owner of the dog, the delivery of the animal to the operating table. It requires a coordinated team of doctors. If the animal was delivered too late, it happens that it dies after being anesthetized and having a skin incision.

X hour! When a diagnosis is made in the veterinary center, infusion therapy is started, intravenous anesthesia is administered, and after 2-3 minutes, the operation begins. Within 5-10 minutes, the surgeon opens the abdominal cavity, puts the stomach in place (in the correct position) and inserts a tube for emptying.

An important point of the operation is gastropexy or fixation of the stomach to prevent re-torsion.

Postoperative care

For the owner, post-surgery care is the most important part of a pet's recovery.

· Droppers (3-6 days), daily treatment of the seam;

Do not give water during the day;

Do not feed for 2-3 days;

· Antacids, antibiotics course of 5-9 days.

Additionally, the doctor makes appointments depending on the condition of the animal.

They begin to feed in small portions of semi-liquid consistency food (grind boiled rice and meat in a blender), no more than 100 ml per dose. Feed every hour, gradually increasing the time between feedings and serving.

It is impossible: to give flour products, bread, cabbage, carrots, milk and other easily fermenting feed.

How to avoid pathological bloating?

Large breed dogs should be fed twice a day, only after exercise (walking). The diet should be minimal in volume and maximal in digestibility. This means that the dog should not eat a bucket of porridge, buns, sweets.

Veterinary center "Dobrovet"

(in other words, flatulence) is a lesion that causes a lot of problems to both the owner and the pet itself. In most cases, the dog's stomach swells due to malnutrition. If this happens, then it becomes dangerous for her, since in the future it can lead to obstruction of the esophagus, and in some cases to volvulus of the stomach and its further displacement from its usual position.

Reasons for trouble

Flatulence can be caused by many factors. If the dog has a swollen stomach, the reasons may be:

improperly selected food and food for the dog;
poor care;
pancreatic insufficiency;
problems with the functioning of the liver;
dysbacteriosis;
bowel disease.

Improper feeding of a pet can be concluded in excessive amounts of carbohydrates, cereals and legumes. The dog's digestive system can cope well with meat products, some cottage cheese, well-boiled porridge and vegetables. Most cheap pet food mixes replace some of the meat with soy. In carnivores, such a product is poorly absorbed and provokes strong gas formation.

In any animal, flatulence can occur due to the constant use of too hot or cold food, a sharp change in the usual diet. In addition, in dogs, mixing canned and dry food from different manufacturers can lead to the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Wrong content

It implies a restriction of the activity of the pet. In the normal state, with active movement, the dog's abdominal muscles press on the intestines. This process significantly speeds up the activity of the intestines, which is responsible for pushing food out, which helps to achieve normal emptying, including getting rid of accumulated gases.

With low mobility, such a mechanism does not work, which is why gases accumulate in the intestines.

Digestive problems

Pancreatic insufficiency leads to problems with the production of important enzymes that help digest incoming food. This especially affects the digestion of proteins and the synthesis of enzymes that break down carbohydrates. As a result of such insufficiency, digestion does not occur in full. Such disorders are characteristic of inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus and other lesions.

Difficulties with the functioning of the liver lead to a change in the amount of bile and its constituent components. As a result, the stomach suffers and the absorption of the components worsens. The substances remaining in the intestines begin to ferment and release gas.

Dysbacteriosis is described as a violation of the composition of microorganisms in the intestine. This impairs the digestion of fiber and carbohydrates by microorganisms. With dysbacteriosis, a large amount of toxins and gases accumulate in the body.

Intestinal disease is characterized by dysbacteriosis and problems with the absorption of components. Against the background of indigestion, the process of assimilation of carbohydrates also worsens.

Consequences of digestive problems

Due to possible digestive disorders, the intestines of the animal begin to fill with a large amount of gases and increase significantly in size. As a result, the dog's stomach swells, pain occurs. Gases begin to be slowly absorbed and lead to intoxication. The negative load on the liver increases significantly.

The expansion of the intestine leads to its enhanced work, which speeds up the movement of digested food. The dog has diarrhea. At the same time, a large amount of gases continues to remain in the intestine, moving closer to the sphincter of the rectum and accumulating in this place. After the accumulation of a certain amount of gases, emission with an unpleasant odor begins.

The mere emission of excess gases through the anus is not enough to empty the intestines. Its walls continue to expand, and pain only increases. In this case, there is a danger that the dog will develop stomach diseases, increased flatulence and impaired liver function.

Main symptoms

Bloating can be acute as well as chronic. If it is of a chronic type, then it can proceed hidden. But over time, the animal will begin to have difficulties with the pancreas and liver. It is important to remember that, together with the disruption of the described organs, the state of the digestive system and all the processes occurring in it are significantly deteriorating.

As with other diseases, the acute form brings the greatest threat. With such a violation, the pet begins to get very nervous and whine. The dog's belly swells, the muscles tense up. Side effects of bloating include indigestion, nausea, complete or partial denial of nutrition, blue gums, difficulty breathing, increased pain in the abdomen.

Problem Identification

If the dog's abdomen is very swollen after eating food, then the abdominal region can be measured using a centimeter tape. It is recommended to take measurements in the widest part of the belly. Such a simple procedure will help track the progression of the disease and accurately understand whether there is a threat to the condition of the animal.

If the symptoms are quite serious, then it is important to immediately go to a consultation with a veterinarian. In the clinic, doctors will be able to conduct all the necessary examinations, including analysis of feces, blood and x-rays. The main goal of the doctor is to exclude a disease with similar symptoms, for example, intestinal disease or a lack of enzymes in the body.

Selection of treatment

What to do if the dog's stomach is swollen? For the most part, therapeutic measures will be related to the nutrition of the pet. To begin with, it is important to provide the animal with proper nutrition in a calm environment. It is not necessary to distract the dog during feeding, and it is also forbidden to allow children to do this. This behavior can end badly, as dogs become especially sensitive when eating food.

The place for feeding should also be separate, as dogs are used to swallowing food in whole pieces without chewing (this is especially true in homes where there are other animals). Eating food too quickly can lead to a buildup of large amounts of gas, which will only make things worse.

If your dog has a bloated belly, it is important to buy liquid food for him. Veterinarians recommend giving a pet that is often bloated from simple food, liquid or almost liquid food. Dry food in this case is prohibited, as it absorbs a large amount of liquid in the stomach itself, leading to bloating. If the owner does not have time to prepare food for the animal, then he can make dry food much softer by adding liquid to it. This method will help absorb water before it enters the stomach.

It is important to remember that nothing is better for digestion than home-cooked food to avoid any dog stomach problems. Experts were able to prove that dogs that eat homemade food get better much faster than animals that continue to be given store food.

herbal tincture

What should I do if my dog has a bloated belly? Another effective way is chamomile tincture. Such a plant is a good helper in the fight against various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile helps not only to get rid of stomach problems, but also to avoid possible bloating.

Small breeds of dogs, whose weight is less than 15 kilograms, are allowed to give half a teaspoon of decoction every day. Large breeds can take a tablespoon of the remedy daily. If the animal is stubborn and does not want to use the prepared decoction, then it can be mixed with food or poured into the pet's mouth using a simple syringe.

An increase in the peritoneum in a dog can be:

as a result of errors in feeding (a large amount of sweets, foods with "fast" carbohydrates - flour and bakery products, also provoke cabbage, legumes, whole milk, fresh fruits, a sharp transition from one feed to another);
due to active training after eating;
as a result of serious pathologies - dropsy of the abdominal cavity, helminthiases, pyometra, ascites, peritonitis, gastric volvulus or rupture of the organ wall.

Signs of bloating: the volume of the abdomen increases sharply, with acute expansion, the dog cannot move, the animal may worry or, conversely, be in a lethargic, apathetic state, in severe cases, stupor develops due to poisoning with toxic products and severe pain, increased fermentation is accompanied by flatulence, in pet's stomach rumbling, vomiting and diarrhea appear.

Ascites

At home, to confirm bloating, measurements should be taken with a centimeter ruler (but you need to know the parameters in a healthy state). The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes ultrasound, according to the indications of an x-ray of the abdominal cavity, if worms are suspected, a scatological examination.

You can give the dog Enterosgel, Espumizan, Maalox, Smektu on your own. Vaseline oil, Dufalac are used only on the recommendation of a veterinarian for gentle bowel cleansing. From traditional medicine, dill water gives a good therapeutic effect on flatulence.

In acute cases, a food probe is placed to remove gases. A puncture of the abdominal wall with a trocar is also used. Pain syndrome is eliminated with antispasmodics and analgesics.

If a pathology is detected, the animal is kept on an 8-12 hour starvation diet and only then they begin to feed in fractional portions. Be sure to exclude feed that provoked fermentation and bloating. After that, it is recommended to switch to premium and super-premium feed.

Read more about what can cause bloating in a dog, as well as ways to get rid of it and preventive measures, read our article.

Read in this article

The main causes of bloating in dogs

With an increase in the peritoneum of a four-legged pet in volume, the owner encounters quite often. In most cases, the symptom is associated with errors in feeding. However, the cause of bloating in a dog can be more serious pathologies - dropsy of the abdominal cavity, helminthiases, pyometra, ascites, peritonitis. It is important for the owner to recognize the cause of the pathology in a timely manner and take appropriate measures.

The digestive system of predators, including domestic dogs, is not genetically adapted to consume large amounts of carbohydrate foods. In this regard, a violation of the principle of rational nutrition of a pet is the main cause of increased gas formation. If the household pampers the dog with sweets, products related to the so-called "fast" carbohydrates, then sooner or later bloating occurs.

Carbohydrate food leads to the fact that the body spends more time on its digestion than on the breakdown of protein ingredients. Such a violation is accompanied by an accumulation of bacteria, the main food of which is monosaccharides. This leads to the formation of a large amount of gases in the stomach and intestinal tube.

Foods that cause bloating and increased gas formation include, first of all, sweets, flour and bakery products, as well as vegetables such as cabbage, legumes. Dairy products, especially whole milk, can also cause fermentation in the intestines. When feeding your pet with fresh fruits, you should also be aware that many of them (apples, pears, grapes, peaches) cause bloating.

An abrupt transition from one food to another can also provoke a problem. The body does not have time to adapt, the failure of the production of digestive enzymes leads to increased gas formation.

Experienced dog breeders and breeders note that the disease can manifest itself in a four-legged pet if the owner conducts active training immediately after feeding. Exercising after a meal can lead to increased gas formation due to impaired digestive function.

Severe bloating and gas

In addition to problems with feeding, more serious reasons can lead to an increase in the volume of the abdomen in four-legged pets. So, according to veterinary specialists, ascites, in which there is a pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum, can lead to acute swelling in the abdominal cavity. Dropsy is not an independent disease, but indicates circulatory disorders, cardiac disease, kidney problems, etc.

Such a severe pathology as peritonitis also leads to sudden bloating. As a result of purulent inflammation of the peritoneum, it is filled with exudate, blood, and lymph. The condition is life-threatening for the animal and requires immediate qualified assistance.

One of the reasons that the owner observes a sudden increase in the abdominal cavity in a dog is. Purulent inflammation of the uterus is accompanied by the release of an increased amount of gases. Clinically, the owner observes with this dangerous disease a sharp bloating in the dog.

One of the life-threatening causes of a sudden increase in the size of the abdomen is a volvulus of the stomach or a rupture of the wall of the organ. This condition is most often diagnosed by veterinarians in representatives of large breeds. As a result of the rapid filling of the hollow organ with gases, its strong expansion occurs. An enlarged stomach presses through the diaphragm on the heart muscle, which in some cases leads to sudden death in individuals of giant breeds.

Given the seriousness of the causes leading to bloating, the owner must be able to recognize in which situation it is all about increased gas formation due to products, and in which condition it can threaten the health and life of a four-legged friend.

Signs of imbalance

Pathology, accompanied by increased gas formation in the intestines and bloating, can occur in acute and chronic forms. The chronic course in most cases is due to errors in feeding, helminthiases. The greatest danger to the life of a pet is the acute course of the disease.

The volume of the abdomen increases dramatically. In acute dilatation, the dog cannot move.
The animal may be anxious or vice versa, be in a lethargic, apathetic state. In severe cases, the dog develops stupor due to poisoning with toxic products and severe pain.
Increased fermentation is accompanied by flatulence.
A growl can be heard in the pet's stomach.
Vomiting and diarrhea often accompany acute expansion of the stomach under the influence of accumulated gases.

In the case of a chronic course of pathology, the symptoms are not pronounced.

Condition Diagnostics

With a tendency to illness, the owner should conduct a control measurement of the widest part of the pet's peritoneum. Make it easier with a tape measure. The measurement is carried out in a healthy state of the animal. Knowing the approximate parameters of your pet, it will not be difficult for the owner to identify bloating and seek qualified help.

In a specialized institution, to determine the root cause of the pathology, the animal will undergo a comprehensive examination. Ultrasound diagnostics will allow to exclude diseases accompanied by bloating, such as pyometra, peritonitis, ascites. It is mandatory to exclude such a dangerous pathology as gastric volvulus.

In acute cases, when the stomach expands, a food tube is placed in the dog to remove gases. A puncture with a special instrument (trocar) of the abdominal wall is also used. Pain is relieved with antispasmodics and analgesics. In case of rupture of the stomach wall, an emergency operation is performed.

What to give at home

If the veterinarian has ruled out a life-threatening cause of the pathology for the pet, the owner can give the dog sorbents, such as Enterosgel, Espumizan, Maalox, Smektu, to reduce spasms and gas formation in the sick pet in case of bloating.

In some cases, laxatives, and even more so an enema, can aggravate the condition of a fluffy patient. Therefore, vaseline oil, Duphalac are used only on the recommendation of a veterinarian for mild bowel cleansing.

From traditional medicine, dill water gives a good therapeutic effect on flatulence.

For information on how to use Smecta for a pet, see this video:

What to feed the animal

It is impossible to eliminate bloating caused by a nutritional cause without adjusting the diet. First of all, foods that cause fermentation should be excluded - whole milk, food from the table, bran, vegetables. Veterinary experts unanimously recommend feeding a dog with bloating with premium and super-premium industrial feeds.

Ready formulations are not only balanced in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, but also do not contain components that cause fermentation in the digestive tube.

It should be noted that if a pathology is detected, the animal is kept on an 8-12 hour starvation diet and only then begins to be fed in fractional portions.

The diet of the animal should be based on high quality industrial feed.
It is forbidden to actively exercise with a pet immediately after eating. Feed the dog after a walk, at least 3 times a day.
The introduction of a new feed or ingredient should be gradual.
If the dog has an increased appetite, then in order to avoid the rapid ingestion of food, it is necessary to purchase special labyrinth feeders.

Bloating and gas in dogs is quite common. Pets of large and giant breeds are most susceptible to acute expansion of the stomach. The owner should understand that an increase in the volume of the abdomen can be the result of not only increased gas formation, but also such dangerous diseases as pyometra, ascites, and peritonitis.

A timely appeal to a veterinarian will help not only alleviate the suffering of the animal, but in some cases save a life.

Useful video

Watch in this video about the causes and symptoms of ascites in dogs:

Gas in a dog is a widespread and life-threatening animal phenomenon. Due to the stretching of the stomach with gases, there is a volvulus of the intestines, a displacement of the internal organs. This can lead to disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs and further death of the pet.

Causes of Bloating in Dogs

Gases, which are formed as a result of digestion, are excreted from the body of the animal in a natural way. Under the influence of certain factors, they begin to accumulate and rise into the small intestine, which causes bloating.

The main causes of flatulence are:

Swallowing air when eating food quickly.
Unbalanced diet: food with a high concentration of fiber, soy products, spoiled, poor quality, hot food, overeating, abrupt change in food.
Allergic reaction to certain types of foods.
Dysfunction of the digestive system, in which food is not completely processed.
Inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dysbacteriosis.
Infectious diseases.
Problems with defecation.
Malfunctions of the pancreas.
Liver diseases.
Sedentary lifestyle.
The presence of worms.

As a result of the accumulation of gases in the intestine, intoxication of the animal's body occurs. Slags and toxins are assimilated, tk. they are carried throughout the body by the blood stream.

Flatulence in dogs is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, rumbling, cramps and abdominal pain.

Discharge of an unnatural color from the anus of the dog, vomiting of feces, anxiety of the animal signal serious health problems.

Treatment of flatulence in dogs

The method of treating flatulence in dogs depends on the causes of its formation. The main directions are:

normalization of microflora;
activation of the digestive tract;
elimination of major diseases.

Normalization of the number of intestinal microorganisms is achieved through the use of drugs with a high concentration of probiotics. They are prescribed depending on the condition of the animal, the stage of development of the disease.

To activate the work of the digestive organs, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the causes that cause their dysfunction. In this case, drug treatment is used. The action of medications is aimed at normalizing the process of enzyme production and improving digestion. After diagnosing a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, enzyme medications are prescribed.

Treatment of flatulence is to eliminate bloating. For this purpose, gastric lavage is carried out using a special probe through which sorbents are introduced. In emergency situations, the abdominal cavity of the animal is pierced with a thin needle, through which accumulated gas is removed from the body.

To reduce pressure in the abdominal cavity, carminative drugs are used. If swelling is accompanied by a strong pain syndrome, specialists conduct x-rays, as well as a study of blood and feces. These activities will help determine the causes of the disease, notice the possible combination of internal organs or the formation of tumors.

When gases are removed from the digestive system, it is populated with beneficial microflora. To do this, use probiotics, natural yogurt.

Products that envelop the walls of the stomach and create a protective barrier against the effects of negative factors will help improve the digestion process. It is recommended to use rice porridge, flax seeds, herbal decoction. Sorbent substances are capable of reducing the amount of gases and toxic substances in a dog.

A decoction of chamomile will help alleviate the condition of the dog. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, which favorably affects the functioning of the digestive tract. Medicinal drink must be given to the pet on a spoon per day. If the dog refuses to drink it, it can be added to liquid food or injected with a syringe.

During the recovery period, the correct diet should be compiled for the animal. Feed your pet preferably in small portions, more than 4-6 times a day. You need to make sure that he does not swallow food quickly. Legumes, dry food, milk, sea fish, cereals, food that contains sugar should be excluded from the daily menu.

In the acute form of bloating, it is recommended to feed the dog only boiled chopped rice, boiled in water or low-fat broth. It is necessary to ensure that the dog does not take food out of the trash can or eat something spoiled during the walk.

Prevention of bloating

The occurrence of flatulence in a dog can be avoided by following certain recommendations and rules for care:

proper, balanced nutrition;
do not give water to drink after physical activity;
food should be chopped and easily digestible;
the food bowl must be installed at the level of the animal's head;
do not make a sudden transition to another type of food.

It is desirable to feed a healthy dog after a street walk, but no more than 3 times a day.

If the dog's health worsens, you should contact a veterinarian who will determine the cause of the swelling, prescribe the appropriate treatment, and make up a diet.

In contact with

An increase in the volume of the abdomen in a dog can occur for many reasons.

Acute bloating

Rapid bloating occurs due to gastric expansion of the stomach with gastric volvulus or acute gastric dilatation.

The deterioration of the dog's condition occurs before our eyes. Shortness of breath develops, the dog does not lie down, may whine, vomiting appears, usually unproductive. More often the disease develops in the evening, after feeding. Giant breed dogs are prone to this problem, but acute gastric dilatation occurs in dogs of all sizes.

Acute dilatation of the stomach is promoted by abundant feeding, feeding fermentable foods, physical activity after feeding, voracious eating of food (for example, when feeding several animals competing for food), when the dog swallows a large amount of air along with the food.

Increased gas formation in the stomach in violation of the evacuation of food masses and resulting gases into the intestine leads to a significant increase in the volume of the stomach. A huge stomach presses on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe, compresses the caudal vena cava, disrupting the work of the heart. In the walls of the stomach, blood circulation is disturbed and necrosis develops after a few hours. Expansion of the stomach is accompanied by severe pain.

In case of acute abdominal distension, the dog must be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic.

Expansion of the stomach is determined by x-ray.

Treatment of a dog with acute bloating

Without treatment, the dog will die within a few hours. First of all, it is necessary to remove excess gas from the stomach. With acute expansion, not accompanied by volvulus, probing of the stomach is possible. With the help of a probe, gas and gastric contents are evacuated from the stomach, the stomach cavity is washed out and defoamers (espumizan) or adsorbents are introduced into it. To prevent the recurrence of attacks of the disease, the dog is prescribed an easily digestible diet, fractional feeding, gastroprotectors, defoamers and adsorbents.

To prevent acute bloating, the dog should be fed in a calm environment, after a walk, with high-quality habitual food.

Chronic bloating

Chronic flatulence - the constant increased formation of gases in the digestive tract of a dog - is not so dangerous, but also requires treatment.

Chronic bloating is indicative of indigestion. The reason may be feeding unsuitable food, liver and pancreas disease, insufficiency of digestive enzymes.

To diagnose the causes of increased gas formation, it is necessary to conduct a general and clinical blood test, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, and sometimes X-rays and stool examinations.

Treatment consists in eliminating the main identified cause of the disease, selecting a suitable diet. Sometimes defoamers (espumizan), adsorbents (enterosgel, activated carbon), drugs that improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract are used.

Other causes of bloating

In puppies, a bloated belly often indicates a significant accumulation of helminths. After deworming and restoring normal digestion, everything returns to normal.