Cody's Symptoms- Things to Look for: Dog Stomach Tumors

If we knew what signs to look for, we could have addressed Cody's tumor earlier, but it was impossible to piece it together. These are changes we noticed and puzzled. Today's blog is about is what to look for so other pet parents can understand and take quick action.

Behavior Changes That May Indicate an Internal Tumor

Right after Tyler passed away on July 29, 2025, Cody took on different behaviors. 

Eating Ravenously

He started eating a lot more. He became ravenous (he was always a picky eater). We thought it was tied to Tyler's passing. By November, it looked like Cody had gained weight in his stomach. He also began peeing in the house.

After Tyler passed, we gave Cody and Dash the Turkey Tail mushroom supplement for dogs to boost their immune system. We don't know if it helped or not.

Peeing Indoors

We consulted with the doctor and thought his indoor peeing was a result of Dash's incontinence, because Dash's kidneys were failing. The thought was Cody smells pee and also marks. We even had to put Cody in a diaper at night (Dash was already in diapers). He also started drinking more water. On December 1st, we had Cody’s urine tested to see if he had an infection. It was negative.

Cody Mellowed after Dash Passed

On January 19, 2026, Dash passed. Cody seemed to mellow tremendously. He became more obedient, he did treat training with me, and seemed to finally enjoy it (after almost 4 years in the family).

Didn't want to Walk

In February, Cody didn't want to walk much anymore, but he would run for his treats in the kitchen when we toss them across the floor.

We kept thinking he needed to exercise.

He never cried or expressed pain. He was the happiest he has ever been. He would eat and then look bloated and it appeared to subside in hours (apparently it was his full stomach pushing out the tumor).

Scheduled an Ultrasound out of Caution

As a precaution, I scheduled an ultrasound March 5th  which was four days before his annual exam at the vet, where we were going to get his blood tested for Cushing’s Disease and get an X-ray to see if anything was going on internally. He didn’t last to his appointment.

Fortunately, we scheduled an ultrasound on March 5 and that provided us answers about what was coming. That's Tomorrow's Blog.

 

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