What are Ascites?
If you notice swelling or tenderness in your cat’s abdomen, this could be a sign of fluid build up, which is indicative of an underlying health condition.
The buildup of fluids in the body is known as edema unless it occurs in the abdomen, in which case it is called ascites. Fluid buildup can put pressure on the cat’s stomach and chest, causing difficulty with eating or breathing. Ascites can be caused by a wide variety of health conditions ranging in severity, so although the fluid can be easily removed by a vet, treatment will focus on the cause of the fluid accumulation.
Ascites Average Cost
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$1,500
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Symptoms of Ascites in Cats
Symptoms of ascites in cats may begin slowly, but then build up over time as more fluid collects in the abdomen. The symptoms your cat exhibits will depend on the underlying cause of the fluid build-up. Some of the symptoms you may notice include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fever
- Weight los which is most visible at the spine, ribs and hips
Causes of Ascites in Cats
A number of different health conditions can cause fluid to start building up in the abdomen, most of which are very serious and require the immediate attention of a vet. Some of the conditions that may cause ascites include:
- Liver failure
- Trauma
- Right-sided heart failure
- Cancer
- Nephritic syndrome (an inflammatory kidney condition)
- Peritonitis, or inflammation of the abdominal lining, potentially caused by FIP
Diagnosis of Ascites in Cats
Take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as you notice any symptoms of ascites. Discuss what symptoms you have noticed with the vet, and if your cat has experienced any physical trauma recently, be sure to mention this as well.
Although the vet should be able to identify excessive fluid in the abdomen just by feeling the area, more tests will need to be run to determine the cause. First, a urinalysis and chemistry profile will be performed to see how the liver and kidneys are functioning. An ultrasound of the abdomen may also be performed to take a closer look at the organs.
The vet may also need to remove a small sample of the fluid to look for the presence of bacteria or blood. This procedure is known as an abdominal tap and will help the vet get to the bottom of what is causing the buildup.
X-rays of the chest and abdomen may also be performed to look for signs of trauma or tumors. If the vet sees any masses, a biopsy may be taken to determine if the growth is cancerous.
Because heart failure could cause fluid build up, the vet may also suggest a heart scan and EKG to determine if the heart is functioning properly.
The results of all of these tests will help the vet pinpoint the exact cause of the fluid buildup so he can create an effective treatment plan.
Treatment of Ascites in Cats
Treatment will first focus on making the cat more comfortable, and then will shift to treat the underlying cause of the fluid buildup. If the cat is struggling to breathe, a catheter will be placed into his abdomen to drain the fluid and allow him to breathe easier. The cat may be fitted with an oxygen mask during this time to help him breathe while the procedure takes place.
Diuretics may also be administered to help with the fluid removal, however, these drugs can cause potassium levels in the blood to drop, which can lead to serious side effects.
After the fluid has been removed, the vet will need to treat the underlying cause to prevent it from building up again. Treatment will vary greatly depending on the cause. For example, some cases of peritonitis can be treated with antibiotics, however, a cancerous tumor may need to be removed via surgery. Surgery may also be required if the cause is a ruptured organ due to injury. Unfortunately, some causes of ascites are untreatable or very difficult to treat, including heart and liver failure.
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Recovery of Ascites in Cats
Fluid can easily be removed from the cat’s abdomen, but the cat’s recovery will depend on the underlying cause of ascites. To increase your cat’s chances of recovering fully, follow the vet’s orders closely and schedule a follow-up appointment with the vet so he can assess how your cat is healing.
The vet may ask you to change your cat’s diet to help prevent the accumulation of fluid. One of the most important changes is lowering your cat’s salt intake, which will reduce bloating and water retention.
If ascites was caused by trauma, it may be wise to keep your cat indoors so you can keep a closer eye on him and prevent further injuries. You will also need to keep other pets away from your cat while he recovers if trauma is the underlying cause.
Ascites Average Cost
From 569 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
Top
Ascites Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Myanmar cat
Seven months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ascites
Hello
First of all,please forgive my bad English.
My cat name is billy and he’s male.
Later,his ears turn a little yellowish.When we asked our local doctor,she said it could be a liver or kidney disease.After one or two days,my cat’s belly became fatter.And it’s fatter and fatter as days goes by.So we took him to our local doctor and she performed abdominocentesis.Later that day,he asked for some food so we thought he’s doing well.But not 100%..
We’re asking for help because in our local also my country doesn’t have a good doctor for animals.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
First, your English is quite good. Second, I am worried about your kitten, that he may have an infectious disease called FIP, for which there is not a treatment. It would be best to feed him and make him happy as long as possible if you are not able to seek veterinary care for him.
Oct. 21, 2020
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domestic short hair
Mia
10 Weeks
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fluid In Abdomen
We have a 10 week old kitten with fluid build up in her abdomen. We had it drained but it looks like it might be swelling again. What should I do to help her? Does she have a chance to survive this?
Aug. 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I"m not sure what is causing the fluid buildup, but common things that make that happen include heart failure, liver failure, and FIP. None of these is very positive for Mia as a 10 week old kitten. I can't examine her, so can't say for sure, but it would be best to discuss the possible outcome for her with your veterinarian.
Aug. 22, 2018
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tortoise shell shorthair
Poot
7 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloated Stomach-Ascites,
My cat was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy as a kitten. She has been on lactulose,amoxicillin and for the last year flagyl. She is now in liver failure and has ascites. She is still eating and seems energetic etc. I'm just worried about the pressure from the ascites on her lungs. Can she take a diuretic to help her? My vet is out due to an injury
Aug. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
I'm sorry that is happening with Poot. Sadly, diuretics don't typically help with abdominal fluid buildup, especially if the cause is liver failure. She may benefit from an abdominocentesis in the short term to remove some of that fluid, but that would be a short term fix and your veterinarian would need to perform that procedure. If your veterinarian is out due to an injury, there should be someone that they are referring patients to that can help you.
Aug. 20, 2018
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shiraz
Bakouzy
8 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fluid In Abdomen
My cat is 8 years old male. The condition started a month ago before that he was fine. The condition started by poisoning due to insect repellent then severe soft tissue inflammation and vertebral column stenosis due to wrong movement during injection. The condition was treated by metronidazole, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and vitamin B. He was getting perfectly well. Then 2 days after that I noticed him breathing with difficulty and having tender, bloated abdomen filled with fluids and having diarrhea twice which is black in color. The vet said that he is having bad stage liver impairment and gave him silymarin and ursodeoxycholic acid but nothing to get rid of the excessive fluids. I’m asking what can be done more
July 14, 2018
3 Recommendations
Without examining Bakouzy it is difficult to say what specific symptomatic and supportive care would be needed, however if there is fluid accumulating in the abdomen a diuretic may be indicated but it is also important to determine the specific cause of the liver disease. The liver support (silymarin and ursodeoxycholic acid) should help to bring the liver enzymes down but the rest is down to your Veterinarian’s judgement to get Bakouzy stable. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 15, 2018
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domestic short hair
Koda
7 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My cat Koda's stomach recently balooned up and the vet told us it was ascites. The vet took a fluid sample and blood sample and couldn't figure out what was the cause and the animal hospital we took him to, did a sonogram and couldn't figure out the cause either. We haven't had any other tests done for him because we don't have the money to get all tests done. They took a liter of fluid out but we think it's building up again. In terms of symptoms, he's eating his soft food fine, but he's not eating his hard food and he's less active but other then that and looking like a pear from above, he seems fine. Is there anything you'd suggest us try?
July 1, 2018
2 Recommendations
The problem is that it is important to determine the cause of the ascites as any treatment is dependent on the underlying cause; however possible causes may include liver disease, hypoalbuminemia, heart failure among other causes. But as I mentioned, without an underlying cause it is difficult to give any guidance for treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 1, 2018
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Persian
Shawdow
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ascites
Hi all. So my 7 month kitten started getting a big belly, I assumed he was just gaining weight as he ate a lot. About a month later he started getting less active and always moped around. He was always so playful so I knew something wasn’t right. I thought he was depressed because he didn’t show any signs of being sick. Took him to the vets few days ago and they said he had ascites and drained the fluids from his stomach and took a blood test for coronvirus which came back negative. Vet gave us some medicine for 3 days and asked to come back within 3 days to retake the coronvirus and thankfully came back negative again but still had so fluids that the drained out again. Now the vet hasn’t given me any answers to what is causing this but doing some research I came across the fip virus which made me so heartbroken but the symptoms does not match what my kitten is going through however the doctor still ruled it out. Can anyone tell me what could be cause this fluids? His active, eating and drinking very well. Thanks all
Ascites Average Cost
From 569 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
