Causes of Abdominal Fluid in Dogs
As mentioned, ascites is a clinical sign rather than a condition. It’s a complication that develops secondary to an underlying health problem.
In dogs, abdominal fluid is most commonly associated with cardiovascular diseases, particularly those that affect the right side of the heart. When a dog develops heart disease, the efficiency as to which the heart pumps blood out to different organs becomes severely compromised, increasing the dog’s blood pressure.
Another common cause of ascites in dogs is any condition that results in low blood protein levels. Protein in the blood is responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure between cells and tissues and holds water molecules inside the cells in tissues. When blood protein levels drop, vascular osmotic pressure changes and water leaks out from the cells and tissues into free spaces such as the abdomen.
Severe kidney disease, liver disease, and intestinal problems can lead to an increased rate of protein loss and subsequent low blood protein (hypoproteinemia). In some situations, fluid accumulation is not confined to the abdominal cavity. The leak goes to the subcutaneous space (space underneath the skin) causing edema.
Symptoms of Ascites in Dogs
The most obvious sign of ascites in dogs is a swollen belly. This swelling or distension is due to the excess fluid that is accumulating in the abdomen and makes a dog appear bloated. Just like filling a balloon with water will cause it to expand, an abdomen that is filling with fluid will be larger and rounder than normal.
As with most animals, a sick dog with ascites symptoms will behave listless because its organs and other systems are not functioning well.
Difficulty Breathing and Panting
The swelling puts pressure on the diaphragm which can make it harder for a dog with ascites to breathe. This can also result in panting.
Finally, weight gain may be noted due to the excessive fluid in the abdomen.
Your dog will likely lose its appetite because of the swollen abdominal area and feeling of fullness.
Vomiting may be seen in cases of dogs with ascites where the pressure of the fluid is pushing on the stomach and diaphragm.
Abdominal swelling will cause discomfort or pain in your dog.
RESCUED DOG WITH FLUID IN ABDOMEN AMAZING TRANSFORMATION
Ascites in dogs is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. It is also called abdominal effusion. There are many possible medical conditions in dogs that would cause such a buildup, and even though it can be treated, it’s likely to return if the underlying condition remains.
Though ascites is usually a secondary symptom of another possibly serious issue, it can bring symptoms of its own. Signs include vomiting, pain, or a distended abdomen among other things.
If you see the symptoms in your dog, you must consult your veterinarian so they can diagnose the underlying cause and begin treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for ascites in dogs.
There are several possible symptoms of ascites in dogs that result from the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity and the pressure it puts on organs. One of the most obvious is abdominal distension.
If you see any of the following symptoms in your dog, consult your vet right away because ascites, itself, is often a secondary symptom of a serious medical issue:
There are many possible causes of ascites in dogs, and several are serious, life-threatening conditions. In fact, diseases of the organs, parasites, heart problems, or blood and blood vessel issues can all cause blood and fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity.
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.
Has your dog ever suffered from ascites? What was the underlying cause? Let us know in the comments below!