Altered Gastric Noises (Stomach Growling) in Dogs
Key takeaways
Gut sounds, or borborygmi, are common and normal in dogs as much as they are in humans. Gut sounds are considered abnormal either when they are absent or excessive.
- Increased or decreased gut sounds alone are rarely an indicator of a gastrointestinal condition; when accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, they can be a cause of concern
- Among the most common conditions associated with borborygmi, many involve the gastrointestinal tract, including gastroenteritis, GI obstructions due to a foreign object, and intestinal tumors
- Other possible causes include snake envenomation, bladder rupture, pancreatic insufficiency, and anaphylaxis
- Diagnostics and treatment vary considerably according to the underlying condition
- If warranted, diagnostics might include physical examination, bloodwork, and abdominal diagnostic imaging
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and might include medications such as antibiotics and anti-emetics and/or surgery
- Prognosis similarly depends on the underlying condition
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A closer look: Altered Gastric Noises (Stomach Growling) in Dogs
Altered gut sounds are usually not a concerning symptom on their own. They can be a cause of concern if accompanied by other symptoms.
Gut sounds appear in dogs similar to in humans, and altered or noticeable borborygmi in an otherwise healthy patient is common and normal.
If other gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating (abdominal distension), and abdominal pain are present, it may be an indicator of an associated gastrointestinal disease or condition. Dogs showing multiple clinical signs need prompt veterinary attention. If other symptoms such as collapse and difficulty breathing are present, emergency veterinary attention is needed.
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Possible causes
Many conditions are associated with altered gastric noises, and some are related to body systems outside of the GI tract.
Risk factors
The severity of borborygmi varies according to the presence or absence of other symptoms. If dogs only show altered gut sounds as a symptom, it is usually normal.
Gastric sounds can also vary from being diminished, to excessive. The type of alteration does not necessarily correlate to the type of underlying condition. For example, increased gut sounds may be associated with GDV, whereas other conditions, such as organophosphate toxicosis, can present either with increased or decreased/absent gut sounds.
Testing and diagnosis
If veterinary investigation of altered gastric noises is warranted, the diagnostic process varies depending on the presence and severity of other symptoms. Diagnostics might include a complete physical examination, abdominal diagnostic imaging, palpation of the stomach, and bloodwork.
Treatment options also depend on the underlying condition and include but are not limited to:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-vomiting (antiemetic) medications
- Steroids
- Antivenom
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Intravenous fluid therapy
Similar symptoms
The most common mistake when it comes to borborygmi is to misinterpret normal gut sounds as a clinical sign in need of medical attention. It can be hard for pet parents to determine whether stomach growling is altered in a significant way.
