What is ascites?
Ascites is the abnormal fluid accumulation in the peritoneum, that is, the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. There may compression of the diaphragm due to enlarged abdomen and thus interfere with breathing. It is common in dogs and endangers the dogs life in extreme cases, when large amount of fluid is produced or rapidly produced. In dog the ascitic fluid may go up to 20 litres.
What are causes of ascites in dogs?
(a) Severe liver diseases like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis leads to
decreased albumin production or by increased resistance to blood
flow within the liver.
(b) Congestive cardiac failure, cardiac insufficiency.
(c) Peritonitis- inflammation of peritoneum which causes leakage of
intestinal contents.
(d) Compression of mesenteric vein and lymphatic vessels by large
tumor and cyst
(e) Infestation of dog by heart worms causing cardiac failure.
(f) Bleeding disorder which might be inherited or due to ingestion of
poison.
(g) Malabsorption of protein and excessive loss of protein through
faeces.
(h) Retention of sodium due to renal insufficiency.
What are the signs and symptoms of ascites in dogs?
Swollen abdomen or abdominal distention will be seen in dog and it may assume a pear shaped appearance. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy is seen.The dog is anemic, pale, weak with sunken eyes and the ribs are visible very prominently. Dog refuses to eat food. There is increase heart rate and accelerated respiration rate . Temperature may remain within the normal range. Coughing is seen which may be due to heart disease. Breathing difficulty is seen in the dog and the dog is inclined to lie down.
How is ascites diagnosed in dogs?
Ascites is diagnosed by
(a) Clinical findings like enlarged abdomen, etc
(b) Urinalysis
(c) Blood test
(d) X-rays
(e) Biochemical profile.
How is ascites treated in dogs?
The lines of treatment for ascites are as follows
(a) Diuretics such as thiazide or lasix
(b) Spironolactone – potassium sparing diuretics
(c) Corticosteroid as supportive therapy
(d) Blood transfusion in case of ascites due to trauma
(e) Antibiotic is given in case of infection
(f) Vitamins and minerals to restore vitality
The dog should be fed with high protein and low sodium diet. Routine deworming of the dog. In serious cases, ascites is treated by “paracentesis abdominalis” where a needle or trocar and canula is inserted in the site between the umbilicus and pubis close to the linea alba. This is done to drain out the excessive fluids from the peritoneum.
Ascites is the abnormal fluid accumulation in the peritoneum, that is, the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. There may compression of the diaphragm due to enlarged abdomen and thus interfere with breathing. It is common in dogs and endangers the dogs life in extreme cases, when large amount of fluid is produced or rapidly produced. In dog the ascitic fluid may go up to 20 litres.
What are causes of ascites in dogs?
(a) Severe liver diseases like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis leads to
decreased albumin production or by increased resistance to blood
flow within the liver.
(b) Congestive cardiac failure, cardiac insufficiency.
(c) Peritonitis- inflammation of peritoneum which causes leakage of
intestinal contents.
(d) Compression of mesenteric vein and lymphatic vessels by large
tumor and cyst
(e) Infestation of dog by heart worms causing cardiac failure.
(f) Bleeding disorder which might be inherited or due to ingestion of
poison.
(g) Malabsorption of protein and excessive loss of protein through
faeces.
(h) Retention of sodium due to renal insufficiency.
What are the signs and symptoms of ascites in dogs?
Swollen abdomen or abdominal distention will be seen in dog and it may assume a pear shaped appearance. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy is seen.The dog is anemic, pale, weak with sunken eyes and the ribs are visible very prominently. Dog refuses to eat food. There is increase heart rate and accelerated respiration rate . Temperature may remain within the normal range. Coughing is seen which may be due to heart disease. Breathing difficulty is seen in the dog and the dog is inclined to lie down.
How is ascites diagnosed in dogs?
Ascites is diagnosed by
(a) Clinical findings like enlarged abdomen, etc
(b) Urinalysis
(c) Blood test
(d) X-rays
(e) Biochemical profile.
How is ascites treated in dogs?
The lines of treatment for ascites are as follows
(a) Diuretics such as thiazide or lasix
(b) Spironolactone – potassium sparing diuretics
(c) Corticosteroid as supportive therapy
(d) Blood transfusion in case of ascites due to trauma
(e) Antibiotic is given in case of infection
(f) Vitamins and minerals to restore vitality
The dog should be fed with high protein and low sodium diet. Routine deworming of the dog. In serious cases, ascites is treated by “paracentesis abdominalis” where a needle or trocar and canula is inserted in the site between the umbilicus and pubis close to the linea alba. This is done to drain out the excessive fluids from the peritoneum.
This information has been very helpful to understand what is happening to my dog.
ReplyDeletegood.informative
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to discuss this,I really feel strongly about it and really like knowing far more on this topic.
ReplyDeleteMy beloved dog developed ascites, dyspnea, anemia, vomiting, coughing and lost her appetite - but sadly my vet believed she had late stage lung cancer - she had a mammary mass which had not been biopsied and no blood tests had been carried out to confirm it - when in fact it was brought about following a severe reaction to her treatment for lungworm - the vet recommended euthanasia - I was devastated to subsequently learn that the condition could have been treated - I have been beating myself up about it - I miss her terribly.
ReplyDeletemy beautifull yorkie had it and she had to be put to sleep she was 10 and very beautifull i miss her so very very much heart broken
DeleteI am at lost I have a yorkie also and the doctor say he has this . He is 5 soon to b6 in april , can you please give me some advice on what to do. For the past 3 months the doctor has drained his stomach ,change his meds but a few days later he is swollen again. Some helpful advice for someone who has been through this will guide me on what to do..thanks you..
DeleteHaving the exact same reaction, draining the ascitis but then few days later she is swollen again! Doctor says we can do nothing to help but as my dogs appetite is good, I cannot believe him! Anyone had experience with healing ascitis??
DeleteI have a yorkie mix, she was diagnosed with a liver shunt. It was repaired at UT in Knoxville. Ascitis goes along with liver problems. Watermelon is a natural diuretic and liver dogs seem to love it!
DeleteI'm totally with you who commented on Feb. 12.
ReplyDeleteI lost my beloved dog 3 weeks ago. She developed ascites caused by a mass between liver and spleen. I was panicked and did what the vet suggested, which was euthanasia. Reading these treatment makes me greatly regreat the decision I made and I feel awful.
Nice
ReplyDeletethank you very much Doctor - very helpful
ReplyDeleteHow soon after treatment starts will you see improvement?
ReplyDeleteThere is no specific time. Improvement depends on what stage of ascites treatment is done and also the underlying cause.
DeleteMy friend has a dog suffering from ascites. The dog is having most of the symptoms mentioned above. We are in Chennai. Please let me know if there is any doctor who has seen and cured such cases.
ReplyDeleteThanks
I have treated dogs suffering from ascites.Take the dog for treatment to a veterinary doctor at the earliest.
DeleteHello, I have a yorkie suffering from ascites for3 months . Dr. Naroaier do u have any advice , the dogs has been pumped 3 times to remove fliud , change of meds cause after being pumped 3days later he is swollen again. I don't know what else to do for him. Can u be very open with me on this case I would appreciate it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just learned my adopted sheltie (12 yrs old) has liver cancer which is causing the distended abdomen (fluid accumulation). About 1 cup of fluid was drained from his stomach area but he is now swollen worse. I suspect that the swelling is making his already low appetite worse. No coughing, vomiting or diarrhea but obvious discomfort and lack of appetite. I read that the draining procedure hastens the decline by causing the fluid build up to speed up, increase fluid retention volume and add more stress on other organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.). So, if you have the choice, avoid the draining at all. I regret letting the draining be done without my permission. Now, I know that in a few days/weeks, I will have to euthanize my dog.
DeleteSorry about your dog!! Thank you for your advice. I will not let them drain him again and I have came to that I will not let him suffer .... It's hard when you love them like your own kid. I feel for you I had a dog pass away 3 yrs ago with cancer its not easy... It's just hard on us with my YORKIE cause he was healthy no signs of nothing and all in one month he went down hill. Thanks again appreciate the honesty cause no one is willing to give it to,me.
DeleteI have a dog with chronic heart failure and ascitis, been removing the fluid almost weekly by now and she keeps deteriorating. I have no trust to any vet anymore because the medications especially the diuretics-lasix are doing absolutely nothing for her. Can it be heart worms??? Is it possible?? I am asking because no medication seems to be making her feel better, her appetite is good and she only has the ascitis problem.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas? I will certainly not euthanize our dog if I am not convinced that there is no way of making her feel better.
My whippet has congenital heart failure (cardiomyopathy). A vet suggested euthanasia 3 1/2 years ago but I was sure he had a lot more life in him. His heart is great according his new vet however the ascites is a big problem. Does he need to have a general anaesthetic to have it drained?
DeleteDoes anybody know if any traditional medicines or techniques can help this? I was thinking of trying cupping with some moxy.
Dear doctor,
ReplyDeleteI have a 12 yrs old beautiful cocker spaniel that has been diagnosed liver failure a month ago. My vet is treating him with carduus compositum and other medicines. He has been drained 3 times, last time on january 7th, but my vet decided to stop this procedure because albumine levels are really low and he didn't want to mess with the oncotic pressure the dog has reached. Now my dog has troubles breathing due to the severe pression of the abdomen on the diaphragm. Is there anything else I can do to help him? He isn't in pain, he's still wagging its tail.. thank you for your help
I have just viewed about 7 articles and this is by far the best. Concise and included critical information.
ReplyDeleteI have a 12 year old Border Collie that had normal blood work at the end of November. Currently his liver profile is quite elevated, has some anemia, and ascites. We suspected Leptospirosis, but the test had very small elevations. He is not jaundiced, is not eating, barely drinking. we are trying to decide the next step. My father in law is a retired vet and recommends stopping all treatment.(He has not seen the dog) I am not convinced that we are done. It could be denial on my part, any ideas, suggestions? We have not done an ultra sound. The expense so far has been high. Thank you
ReplyDeleteour dog just got diagnosed with liver cancer. so sad. she is very bloated and did get an ultra sound. we were given days...weeks at best. :(
ReplyDelete