"Hollow" space between ribs and tummy: Normal?

[Nikitta34]

My husband and I noticed last week that Meg seems to have grown a space between the bottom of her ribs and the start of her stomach area. It's really hard to describe, so I drew a picture in Paint. It's not to scale by any means, but it gives you an idea of what I'm talking about.

There is a sort of "upwards gap" right below her ribs. It doesn't feel like the normal "under rib" space. It's like her ribs are in one area, then there's a space where you can put a couple fingers, then she has a round belly. Her belly is definitely more bulbous (puppy belly?) than an adult dog's is. (#2 in drawing) She has been tested for parasites, worms, heartworm, etc, and has no problems. She's been eating well, has no abnormal poop issues, and she's not overweight. She just has this little round tummy. Is that normal? She's 7 months old.

I just made an appointment for a BAT test on June 1. I'll post the results here when I get them.

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by Nikitta34

My husband and I noticed last week that Meg seems to have grown a space between the bottom of her ribs and the start of her stomach area. It's really hard to describe, so I drew a picture in Paint. It's not to scale by any means, but it gives you an idea of what I'm talking about.

There is a sort of "upwards gap" right below her ribs. It doesn't feel like the normal "under rib" space. It's like her ribs are in one area, then there's a space where you can put a couple fingers, then she has a round belly. Her belly is definitely more bulbous (puppy belly?) than an adult dog's is. (#2 in drawing) She has been tested for parasites, worms, heartworm, etc, and has no problems. She's been eating well, has no abnormal poop issues, and she's not overweight. She just has this little round tummy. Is that normal? She's 7 months old.

I just made an appointment for a BAT test on June 1. I'll post the results here when I get them.

Did you have a picture you wanted to show?

[Nikitta34]

Shoot, I thought it attached. Let's try it again. It's obviously not to scale, and the bottom stomach is a bit exaggerated.

[Ladymom]

What does your vet say? You could always do an ultrasound if you are concerned.

[Nikitta34]

I haven't shown the vet yet, but Meg's next appointment is in week, so I will show her then. The "gap" isn't visible to the eye, btw. It's probably nothing but it just makes me nervous.