Abdominal Fluid (Ascites) in Dogs
Ascites is an abnormal buildup of abdominal fluid that can occur in any dog but is a result of an underlying disease so ignoring the symptoms can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Knowing the signs of ascites, what it may mean for your dog, and how it is treated is helpful for any pet owner. Ascites referred as accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity, has been attributed to chronic hepatic failure, congestive heart failure, nephritic syndrome, malnutrition, ankylostomiasis and protein losing enteropathy in canine (Randhawa et al 1980). True ascites refer to accumulation of serous or serosanguinous fluid in peritoneal space. A more generalized description includes distension of abdomen with other fluid, e.g. chyle, blood and inflammatory exudates. Ascites is always a sign of disease, therefore investigation should be aimed at identifying the primary underlying problem.
What Is Ascites in Dogs?
Ascites is not a disease itself, but it is free fluid floating in the dog’s abdomen that signals a serious medical problem. The abdomen contains many organs including the kidneys, intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, bladder, and others but there is normally very little fluid that is outside one of these structures. When ascites occurs, these organs will be surrounded by fluid that is freely floating around in the abdomen.
Ascites is common in cases of organ failure or low protein levels, such as in the case of nephrotic syndrome. Fluid and blood can leak into the abdominal cavity from diseased organs, from parasitic migration, from leaks in the tricuspid valve in the heart, or from blocked blood vessels due to high blood pressure. This accumulation of fluid can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty breathing, as the fluid puts pressure on the organs in the body. While ascites can be treated with a combination of therapies, it will most likely return if the underlying condition is not successfully treated. Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing a distension of the abdomen. This is a secondary condition of a more serious issue, such as heart failure, liver disease, or cancer, and needs to be investigated immediately to identify and treat the underlying condition.
Symptoms of Ascites in Dogs
The general symptoms of ascites in dogs include:
- Distension of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal pain
Due to the range of serious conditions that can cause ascites, other symptoms may be present that can point to the underlying problem, and should be reported to your veterinarian. These can include:
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Decreased stamina
- Coughing
- Shock
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Decreased defecation
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive panting
- Pale or bluish gums
- Seizures
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
Causes of Ascites in Dogs
The underlying causes of ascites in dogs include:
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Congestive heart failure
- Right heart failure
- Chronic liver failure
- Portal hypertension
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition
- Hypoalbuminemia, or low albumin levels
- Lymphoma
- Peritonitis, or inflammation of the membranes lining the abdomen
- Hookworm infection, especially in young dogs
Diagnosis of Ascites in Dogs
Your veterinarian will start by confirming the presence of ascites in your dog, and will then search for the underlying cause. This begins with a physical exam, considering all the symptoms present, and any you have reported. A fluid thrill test by palpating the abdomen may reveal the presence of a fluid wave. A CT scan or ultrasound may be used to confirm the presence of fluid. Blood samples will be collected for testing. The peritoneal fluid, or abdominal fluid, may be collected by a syringe for analysis, this is an abdominocentesis. The fluid will be tested for abnormalities, and the presence of bacteria, fungus, or any other cause of peritonitis.
Other tests can include fecal samples, a urinalysis, X-rays, MRIs, EKGs, and echocardiographs for heart issues. If a specific condition is suspected, further diagnostic testing can include biopsies of tissues or organs.
Treatment of Ascites in Dogs
Treatment of the condition of ascites itself includes incorporating a restricted sodium diet. This is unlikely to eliminate the abdominal fluid alone, and in that case, diuretics may be used to increase the elimination of sodium through the urine. Prescribed diuretics can include spironolactone and furosemide. Your dog should be reevaluated regularlyto adjust medications as needed.
If the ascites is causing considerable discomfort, a significant loss of appetite, or difficulties in breathing, an abdominocentesis may be performed to manually remove only enough fluid to improve your dog’s comfort level. This is accompanied by the administration of polyionic fluids and diuretic therapy. Once the ascitic fluid is mobilized, diuretic therapy with a concurrent low sodium diet may be continued.
Treatment of ascites in dogs may provide relief from the symptoms of fluid buildup, but vets also need to treat the underlying cause, or else ascites is likely to return.
Abdominocentesis is one possible therapy a vet might use. It involves manually removing some fluid by tapping the abdomen, which provides relief from pain.
Generally, vets will prescribe a restricted sodium diet along with diuretics to help flush sodium out through the urine. Vets will provide oxygen to dogs who have difficulty breathing, and they may also give intravenous fluids if there are signs of dehydration.
Sometimes ascites can be due to a bacterial infection, a condition called septic ascites. In these cases, vets can prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection.
However, because there are so many possible causes for ascites, it’s important for a vet to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
Some conditions may improve with dietary changes and medications, while others may require surgery, chemotherapy, or other extensive treatments. Your vet will provide treatment according to your dog’s specific medical condition.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
