Symptoms Of Ascites In Dogs: How To Recognize Them
Ascites in dogs is the abnormal collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. While it wouldn’t be a problem in itself, what worries vets is the ailment that causes it. In this article we inform you about this canine disease.
Ascites in dogs: definition and causes
First, it’s good to know what ascites in dogs is. Many claim that it is an “abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen”, but it is much more than that. Of course, since ascites itself is not a problem, but the disorder that causes it is.
This collection of fluid can be caused by a disease in the organs, blood vessels or lymph nodes of the animal. Therefore, it is essential to take him to the vet for a full examination.
Among the different possible causes of ascites in dogs, the best known are:
- Heart failure.
- Hemorrhages.
- Rupture of blood vessels.
- Low levels of protein in the blood.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Kidney problems (for example, nephritic syndrome).
- Congestive heart failure (when the heart does not supply enough blood to the body).
- Diseases of the liver.
- Inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal bowels.
- Abdominal tumor.
- Rupture of the bladder.
- Abdominal haemorrhage.
- Trauma that caused internal organs to rupture.
What are the symptoms?
The warning signs of ascites in dogs can be varied. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms cannot be detected with the naked eye. It is very important to pay attention to certain behavioral changes in your pet, as he will likely complain more than usual and will tend to lie down on the ground. Some of the symptoms of ascites in dogs are:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Swelling of the abdomen.
- Abdominal distension.
- Progressive loss of appetite.
- He retched.
- Shortness of breath, restlessness.
- Apathy towards physical activity or games.
- Lethargy.
- Complaints of pain when lying down or standing up.
- In males, there is also accumulation of fluid in the penis or scrotum.
- Pleural bleeding due to the accumulation of fluid in the chest wall.
Treatment and prevention of ascites in dogs
If you notice any of the symptoms listed in your dog, you should take him to the vet immediately. The doctor will perform the appropriate studies to diagnose the condition. The most common tests in these cases are x-rays and abdominal ultrasound. You can also request a urine test.
Once ascites in dogs is diagnosed, the next step will be to remove the fluid that has built up in the abdomen. It can be done in several ways, although the use of a needle is the most frequent. The extracted liquid will be taken to the laboratory to be analyzed.
Possible causes
If the cause of this disease is an infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics to combat it. In case we are faced with a tumor, he might recommend an operation to remove it. It is important to know that ascites in dogs is treatable to the extent that what produced it can be “attacked”.
Many owners wonder if ascites can be prevented and the answer is the same as the previous one: it all depends on what causes it. However, the best way to avoid diseases in pets is to take them to the vet periodically and respect the vaccination schedule.
As a preventative method, we advise you to choose the food you give your dog correctly to avoid any protein deficiency in the blood and sodium accumulation.
Also to take him for a walk often but being careful to prevent accidents or trauma and of course to respect the vaccination schedule. This way, although it is not impossible to avoid it 100%, the animal will still be less likely to suffer from ascites or other health problems.
