What is Fluid In The Abdomen?
Fluid in the abdomen is also known as abdominal effusion or “ascites”. This is not a disease, but a reaction to an underlying problem. All cats have a small amount of fluid in the abdomen, to protect the internal organs. When this fluid builds up to dangerous levels, it is known as ascites.
Cats can have a variety of medical conditions that may require treatment. If your cat has fluid in his abdomen, he may exhibit specific symptoms that must be investigated by a veterinarian to ensure your cat’s recovery.
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Symptoms of Fluid In The Abdomen in Cats
Ascites causes your cat to be uncomfortable and he may display certain symptoms that relay that message. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with fluid in the abdomen in domestic cats:
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Overall weakness
- Groaning noises while in a lying position
- Abdominal distention
- Discomfort when the abdominal area is pressed
- Male cats may have swollen scrotum
- Difficulty breathing
Causes of Fluid In The Abdomen in Cats
There are a variety of medical conditions or diseases that can cause your cat to develop fluid in his abdomen. Below are some of the most common causes of abdominal effusion in cats:
- Bleeding in the abdomen
- Cancer
- Diseases of the liver such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Excessive loss of albumin due to kidney failure
- Diseases of the heart, especially right sided heart failure
- Infectious diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis
- Nephritic syndrome
Diagnosis of Fluid In The Abdomen in Cats
In order to diagnose your cat, your veterinarian will need to obtain important information from you. He will need to know any information regarding your cat’s birth, pre-existing health conditions and the symptoms he has been exhibiting. Your doctor will also need to know when you first noticed symptoms, so he can determine how long the condition has been present. Vital signs will be taken at your doctor visit. Your doctor will check your cat’s weight, temperature, heart rate and rate of respiration. He will then examine your cat. The doctor will observe your cat’s behavior, neurological function and gait. He will palpate your cat’s abdomen, as well.
Diagnostic tests will help your veterinarian determine the cause of abdominal effusion. He will draw a blood sample and run a complete biochemical profile and a CBC or complete blood count. A urine sample will be taken and evaluated, as well. He may take some x-rays or perform an ultrasound to better visualize your cat's organs.
Treatment of Fluid In The Abdomen in Cats
If your cat has a significant buildup of fluid in his abdomen, the first order of treatment is to remove it so he can be more comfortable. Your veterinarian will most likely perform a procedure known as abdominocentesis. During this procedure, your doctor will tap the abdomen with a fine needle and drain the fluid. If your cat does not have a large buildup of fluid and is otherwise stable, your doctor may treat him with diuretics to help him eliminate the fluid.
Once the fluid has been removed, your doctor will work to treat the cause of the condition. If your cat has bleeding in his abdomen, your doctor may perform surgery to stop it. This will prevent the blood from re-accumulating in the abdomen. Cancer causing tumors may require surgery, as well. Medications such as antibiotics may be necessary to treat conditions such as bacterial infections.
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Recovery of Fluid In The Abdomen in Cats
The length of time it will take your cat to recover depends on several factors. Some cats will undergo abdominocentesis and the problem may be temporarily resolved. Those cats feel better almost instantly and return to normal activity levels within a day or so, although the problem might recur. Cats that require surgery to remove tumors or to stop bleeding, will need several more weeks to recover. Your doctor may keep your cat in the hospital for a few days to give him medication and monitor his condition. Once he is stable enough to go home, your doctor will provide you with detailed instruction on how to care for him. If your cat has a bacterial infection that requires IV antibiotics, your cat may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, as well. Your doctor will send any needed medications home with you after discharge along with instructions on how to give them.
Some cats may need to be placed on a special diet that restricts sodium. This is because consuming excessive amounts of salt may cause your cat to retain water and cause fluid to re-accumulate. It is important that you follow these instructions to be sure your cat recovers fully. In addition, your doctor may want to see your cat every week or so to check for signs of fluid build-up. At these visits, it is important for you to tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms or changes in your cat’s eating pattern or behavior. Your cat will have a better chance of recovery when you and your veterinarian work as a team to care for him.
Fluid In The Abdomen Average Cost
From 362 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
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Fluid In The Abdomen Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
short-hair tabby cat
Three Years
38 found this helpful
38 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Concave Chest
My male cat has quite severe fluid build up around his stomach area. His stomach has very slowly been increasing with more and more fluid over the past 3/4 months and I am now getting concerned. What would your diagnonses be? Thank you.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
38 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without being able to see your cat, I can't say what the diagnosis might be. Common causes for fluid buildup in the abdomen include heart failure, liver disease, infection, or protein losing diseases. Since this seems to be getting worse, it would probably be best to have your cat seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your cat, see what might be going on, and give you an idea as to what treatment might be available. I hope it all goes well for your cat.
Sept. 29, 2020
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Mutt
old
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Belly Fluid, Very Boney, Dry Flaking Coat, Lethargy
I have been feeding scraps to an old feral cat on my porch. He is beginning to trust me, but I can't imagine getting him into a carrier. He is skinny, with a soft distended belly. He was eating wet can food, but now he only wants chicken and some days acts really hungry but won't eat. He drinks and urinates ok. He is old, with only one eye, and I am not looking to take him to a vet; I just don't think the trauma is worth it. But I do want to know if there is any food or supplement I can give him. He doesn't seem to be in pain.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in response, there is a delay in receiving these emails sometimes.
Without knowing what might be going on with him, I think the only thing that you can do is continue to feed him canned food, as that seems to be something that he can eat. He may have dental disease or gingivitis that is making it impossible to eat, in which case there isn't really anything that you can do for him
I hope that he continues to have some quality of life.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Mixed
One Week
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Yellow Fluid Heavy Breathing Lumps On Stomach
It has been like this for 20 min now. Was have been feeding it water with a dropper. It is a little calmer now. Before this one we found an already dead kitten. Also has been yelping a little. Is drinking water but refused mother’s milk. Responses but by bit. Is also having rapid breathing.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment that they might need.
Oct. 13, 2020
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medium hair
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloated Round Stomach
My one year old male smokey, has been really bloated for a few days so i took him to the vet yesterday. He seemed normal, he was still doing his everyday activities, being lovable like usual, still eating/ drinking regularly. They pulled a clear pinkish liquid from his abdomen and said that he had a lot in his stomach. they ran test and everything came back negative for diseases. The vet told me it was due to his low protein levels. Told me i needed to change his diet and they sent me home with medication. How long will it take for him to get back to normal?
July 14, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without knowing why he has low protein levels, it is hard to know when to expect him to improve. It is unusual in a 1 year old cat, and I might ask a few more questions of your veterinarian as far as what they think is going on, what is causing it, and what to expect as far as recovery. I hope that all goes well for him and that he is back to normal soon.
July 14, 2020
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None
Willy
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
My cat’s abdomen is very bloated. He has fluid in his belly with protein. He is still eating well but we can see the discomfort caused by the fluid in his abdomen.
Aug. 25, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are various causes for the presence of protein in abdominal fluid which may include heart failure, liver disease, low blood protein among other conditions; without examining Willy I cannot say specifically what is causing the fluid or which specific treatment should be given. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 25, 2018
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tabby
KiKi
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My sweet Kiki has had a bloated belly for a few weeks now. She has been eating and drinking normally and showing no signs of pain. I was still concerned so I called my Veterinarian. At her direction, she urged my to take her into the ER. While in the ER, she mentioned a heart murmur, they performed an ultra sound, found fluid around the belly and took a sample of it. The doctor came back and said that it wasn't bloody, however it was quite yellow in color. They asked if I wanted to leave her overnight for more testing. I declined and they sent us home with pain medication and an estimate for further testing which came to $2,000. In tears, I returned home to tell my husband it may be time to put her down since its so expensive and she's an old girl. It's been two days now and she is back to acting like her normal self. Yelling at me at 5:30 in the morning for breakfast.
The ER doctor mentioned the testing for liver disease, cancer, Corona and FIP. Does anyone know of a way to do this or treat whatever it may be without spending thousands of dollars? I love my sweet girl and I'm not ready to say good-bye yet.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Short hair tabby
Baby
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
She Still Eats And Sleeps The Same
My 11 year old female Tabby, Baby, had a large sac hanging from her belly recently. One day she was laying in my bed and when she got up and walked away there was a puddle. I noticed a water substance leaking from the bottom of her belly. She wouldn’t let me touch her so I just laid out a towel in her favorite hiding spot where she laid and I monitored her. The next day no sack and she seemed fine. It’s now 2 weeks later and I can see the beginning of another build up of liquid in the same place. The vet said it was ‘normal’ which I find hard to believe. Baby is still her feisty self but I don’t think a repeat is healthy for her. What is this and what do I do. She eats, drinks and sleeps the same but I’m still worried. What can we do.
Fluid In The Abdomen Average Cost
From 362 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$850
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