Ascites is a medical definition depicting fluid accumulation in the abdomen. In a dog, it can have various underlying causes and it often indicates some sort of organ malfunction or abnormality. A dog may have a slight form of ascites with subtle symptoms when there is little fluid accumulation, or the dog may present with a distended and enlarged abdomen when the fluid accumulation is substantial.
In a dog, ascites may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires treatment. In some cases, the abdomen may enlarge rapidly requiring immediate veterinary help, because the enlarged abdomen may compress the diaphragm and interfere with breathing. Below are some common causes of ascites in dogs:
Liver disease causing low serum protein levels
Heart failure causing increased pressure in the veins making fluids leak into the abdomen
Peritonitis causing intestinal contents to leak out
Bleeding disorder such as from ingesting rat poison or an inherited blood clotting disorder (causing blood to seep into the abdomen)
Trauma (caused by the rupture of the spleen, bladder or gallbladder and its contents to leak out)
A ruptured blood vessel in the abdomen causing blood loss, anemia and shock (often caused by injury or a ruptured tumor)
Symptoms of Ascites
Dogs affected by ascites will exhibit the typical sign of a distended abdomen. Tapping on the abdomen will produce a dull, flat noise. Depending on the underlying cause of ascites there may be accompanying symptoms owners must be on the look out for:
Breathing difficulty (suggesting the distended abdomen is interfering with breathing)
Cough (often suggesting heart disease)
Weakness (in some cases, suggesting internal bleeding)
Pale gums (suggesting anemia or shock from internal blood loss)
Treatment of Ascites
Treatment focuses on detecting the underlying causes. Often a procedure called Abdominocentesis is required where a needle is inserted to drain out the excessive fluids allowing the dog to breath better. The fluids are often analyzed so to come to a proper diagnosis. Ascites due to trauma may require blood transfusions and emergency surgery. Diuretics are often prescribed (such as Furosemide) to aid the body in flushing away excessive fluids. Dogs on diuretics will urinate more. IV Fluids are administered in case of shock or dehydration.
Ascites is a condition that should not be left untreated especially when it appears suddenly. The underlying cause needs detected as soon as possible in order to treat effectively and promptly. Never underestimate a dog with a distended abdomen.
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