[Rowan]

I have a 3 year old Rottie. She was diagnosed from youngish with some sort of skeletal/muscle disease that makes her stiff and not able to move around freely. This seems to have not given much trouble in the last year and a half, but now she is having some other problem. 1 she used to gulp her food down at the passed owners house, maybe due to the other dogs. When we took over ownership she slowed down eating and chews slowly. The last week or so her stomach has become quite swollen and tight. She does not enjoy lying down and stands most of the day. When we took her to the vet he treated her for a swollen splean. The problem appears to have not gone away. She almost whimpers when she breathes out, but never actually vocalises. She whinces a bit bet poked, but not with an audible high pitch, just a sort of restrained breathing.

[Todd]

could is be bloat??? some believe that bloat can be influenced by gulping down food, especially in larger breeds of dogs. This can literally kill dogs in less than an hour but i wouldn't panic seeing as though you already took him to the vet. here are the symptoms;

Symptoms: Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right.

Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-30 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom"
"Unsuccessful vomiting" means either nothing comes up or possibly just foam and/or mucous comes up
Doesn't act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign and may be the only sign that almost always occurs
We've had several reports that dogs who bloated asked to go outside in the middle of the night. If this is combined with frequent attempts to vomit, and if your dog doesn't typically ask to go outside in the middle of the night, bloat is a very real possibility.
Significant anxiety and restlessness
One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical
"Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance
This seems to occur fairly frequently
Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy.
If your dog shows any bloat symptoms, you may want to try this immediately.
Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)
Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent
Pale or off-color gums
Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages
Coughing
Unproductive gagging
Heavy salivating or drooling
Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
Unproductive attempts to defecate
Whining
Pacing
Licking the air
Seeking a hiding place
Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort
May refuse to lie down or even sit down
May stand spread-legged
May curl up in a ball or go into a praying or crouched position
May attempt to eat small stones and twigs
Drinking excessively
Heavy or rapid panting
Shallow breathing
Cold mouth membranes
Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance
Especially in advanced stage
Accelerated heartbeat
Heart rate increases as bloating progresses
Weak pulse
Collapse

*i wouldn't think it would be bloat considering the vet has already seen him but this is just something to keep in mind. i'd probably just take him back into the vet today is possible for a reevaluation or second opinion.

[CorkyMax]

I agree about going back to the vet or maybe even another vet----What all did your vet check for or did you let him do more tests? I know how expensive it is to get a lot of the necessary tests, etc. to diagnose sometimes. I am going through something like that right now with one of my dogs--Not same problem as you have with yours, though. I wouldn't be surprised if the earlier problem with your dog is connected with what is wrong right now. Hope you get an answer soon--Hate to see your dog in any pain.

2nd thoughts here: Is your dog drinking enough water. Also is he going poop like he should be---I would check next time he goes #2 ---Make sure he is going and also note what it looks and smells like---Look normal or is it very black, runny, foamy, color, texture---Note anything and every thing about it. Take note of everything and let your vet know. Also if you could post the characteristics --I have a vet book that gives clues to where (what) the problem is just by this analysis of the poop. I am very serious here!