My dog is vomiting and I have not seen her poop in a week

she is also swollen on the left side of the face what could be wrong my 3 year old female lab boxer mix is vomiting and not eating. I have not seen her poop in a week and she is rubbing her but on the grass. she is also swollen on the left side of her face and muzzle yesterday it was her right eye that was really swollen can you please help me with an answer that could help my baby.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Shawn Haubenstricker El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 05/14/2011

    It sounds like we may have a few different problems affecting your dog.  I will examine them one at a time.  When a dog drags or scoots her rear on the ground, it could be intestinal parasites (worms), anal gland irritation or infection, or allergies.  Lift her tail, if you see a bulge just slightly below her rectum on either side, or if the tissue there is very red and inflamed, she may have an anal gland infection.  This is very painful for her, and will need veterinary care as soon as possible. If her rectum only is very red and inflamed, and she has been excessive licking that area, it could be due to allergies.  If you see something that looks like a sesame seed or a piece of rice around, in, or on her rectum, that could be a tapeworm.  All of these possibilities for dragging her rear will require veterinary attention.

    Her swollen face and eye could be the result of an allergy as well.  When a dogs face is itchy, they will typically rub it on the carpet, or along the furniture.  Excessive rubbing can cause swelling of her muzzle and eye. Another possible cause of swollen eye and muzzle could be a tooth abscess.  We typically don't see this in younger dogs, however if she has a broken tooth, an abscess is a possibility. This situation would need to be treated with antibiotics and tooth extraction.

    Vomiting, not eating, and not passing stools are a very serious problem.  If nothing is going in or out of her gastrointestinal system, that could signify a gastrointestinal obstruction.  Has she eaten anything in the past two weeks that she shouldn't have?  Has she eaten toys, clothing, towels, bones or gotten into the garbage? Regardless if you can recall any incident, she should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible.  If she does have a blockage, the longer you wait to treat her, the worse her chances are of making a complete recovery.

    Is she spayed?  If not, some dogs will develop a deadly uterine infection called pyometra.  This typically occurs a few weeks to a few months after her last heat cycle.  This illness will cause vomiting, anorexia (not eating), and due to the fact that she isn't eating, will result in no stools being passed either.  Most dogs that develop this infection are over the age of 7, so statistically this wouldn't be her problem. This is a life threatening situation as well, and veterinary care should be obtained as soon as possible.

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