Ascites in Dogs

Ascites in dogs is a symptom that should never be underestimated. Indeed, ascitis is often indicative of some sort of organ malfunction or some serious abnormality in the dog's body. The level of ascites may be barely noticeable in some dogs or quite evident in others. Because of the possibility of something serious going on, any dog presenting with ascitis should be seen promptly by a veterinarian for a prompt assessment and treatment plan.

  1. Definition

    • Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The leakage of such fluids may derive from blood vessels, internal organs, abdominal masses and lymph nodes. In some cases, the level of ascites may be quite evident often causing abdominal swelling to a point where there may be pressure on the diaphragm causing difficulty breathing in the dog. While ascites per se does not create problems, it is the underlying issue that needs addressed.

    Causes

    • Ascites may have several causes. Trauma may cause organs such as the spleen, bladder or gallbladder to rupture causing fluids to leak out. Bleeding tumors such as hemangiosarcoma may be another cause. Heart failure may cause the heart to be unable to pump the blood as necessary causing pressure on the veins which may eventually rupture, ultimately causing seepage. Other causes may be peritonitis, bleeding disorders, a ruptured blood vessel and liver disease.

    Symptoms

    • Ascites in dogs causes several symptoms in dogs that may vary depending on the underlying cause. The most noticeable are as follows: breathing difficulties taking place when the abdomen enlarges enough to press on the diaphragm, cough which is often a symptom of heart disease, diarrhea and occasionally vomiting, weakness and pale gums often suggesting blood loss and, of course, the hallmark symptom which is a distended abdomen. Tapping on the abdomen often will produce a dull noise.

    Treatment

    • Treatment obviously depends on the underlying cause. One of the first steps if the dog is having difficulty breathing is a procedure known as ''abdominocentesis'' which consists of removing the excessive fluids with a needle inserted in the abdominal wall. Diuretics may help remove excess fluids from the body. Trauma, internal bleeding, infections, tumors are all treated as required. Supportive care is provided as well as needed.

    Considerations

    • It is important to point out that ascites is not a primary condition, rather it is the consequence of another disease. Therefore, ascites in dogs must not only be treated on its own but the underlying cause must be investigated as well. Prognosis of ascites depends on the severity of the underlying cause, the dog's general state of health and how promptly treatment is initiated.