What are Ascites?
Ascites is common in cases of organ failure or low protein levels, such as in the case of nephrotic syndrome. Fluid and blood can leak into the abdominal cavity from diseased organs, from parasitic migration, from leaks in the tricuspid valve in the heart, or from blocked blood vessels due to high blood pressure. This accumulation of fluid can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty breathing, as the fluid puts pressure on the organs in the body. While ascites can be treated with a combination of therapies, it will most likely return if the underlying condition is not successfully treated.
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing a distension of the abdomen. This is a secondary condition of a more serious issue, such as heart failure, liver disease, or cancer, and needs to be investigated immediately to identify and treat the underlying condition.
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Symptoms of Ascites in Dogs
The general symptoms of ascites in dogs include:
- Distension of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal pain
Due to the range of serious conditions that can cause ascites, other symptoms may be present that can point to the underlying problem, and should be reported to your veterinarian. These can include:
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Decreased stamina
- Coughing
- Shock
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Decreased defecation
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive panting
- Pale or bluish gums
- Seizures
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
Causes of Ascites in Dogs
The underlying causes of ascites in dogs include:
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Congestive heart failure
- Right heart failure
- Chronic liver failure
- Portal hypertension
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition
- Hypoalbuminemia, or low albumin levels
- Lymphoma
- Peritonitis, or inflammation of the membranes lining the abdomen
- Hookworm infection, especially in young dogs
Diagnosis of Ascites in Dogs
Your veterinarian will start by confirming the presence of ascites in your dog, and will then search for the underlying cause. This begins with a physical exam, considering all the symptoms present, and any you have reported. A fluid thrill test by palpating the abdomen may reveal the presence of a fluid wave. A CT scan or ultrasound may be used to confirm the presence of fluid. Blood samples will be collected for testing. The peritoneal fluid, or abdominal fluid, may be collected by a syringe for analysis, this is an abdominocentesis. The fluid will be tested for abnormalities, and the presence of bacteria, fungus, or any other cause of peritonitis.
Other tests can include fecal samples, a urinalysis, X-rays, MRIs, EKGs, and echocardiographs for heart issues. If a specific condition is suspected, further diagnostic testing can include biopsies of tissues or organs.
Treatment of Ascites in Dogs
Treatment of the condition of ascites itself includes incorporating a restricted sodium diet. This is unlikely to eliminate the abdominal fluid alone, and in that case, diuretics may be used to increase the elimination of sodium through the urine. Prescribed diuretics can include spironolactone and furosemide. Your dog should be reevaluated regularlyto adjust medications as needed.
If the ascites is causing considerable discomfort, a significant loss of appetite, or difficulties in breathing, an abdominocentesis may be performed to manually remove only enough fluid to improve your dog’s comfort level. This is accompanied by the administration of polyionic fluids and diuretic therapy. Once the ascitic fluid is mobilized, diuretic therapy with a concurrent low sodium diet may be continued.
The underlying condition that caused the ascites needs to be treated as well. This therapy will be dependent on the condition itself. Treatments can include medications, such as antimicrobials, beta blockers, hepatic protectorants, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics; replacement of fluids, blood, plasma, or electrolytes; surgeries to remove tumors; or standard cancer treatments. Your veterinarian will discuss the disease and the risks involved and create a treatment plan specific to your dog.
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Recovery of Ascites in Dogs
With concurrent treatments, ascites in your dog can be reduced and managed. You may be sent home with medications and a specific dietary plan, and may have future visits scheduled.
However, recovery will ultimately depend on the success of treatments for the underlying condition. If the ascites is resolved, but the underlying problem is not, the ascites may return.
Your veterinarian will discuss any home care specific to your dog’s situation, which may include further medications to administer, post-operative care, dietary changes, and future veterinary visits for treatments, or to adjust therapy as needed.
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Ascites Average Cost
From 341 quotes ranging from $350 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Top
Ascites Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd Dog
Brother
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Ascites
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Good afternoon,
4 yr. old 95 lb. (BCS 3/5) NM German Shepherd went in for annual wellness labs, vaccines, and Proheart injection. Labs showed mildly elevated ALT=193 and ALP=167, all else within normal limits. Asymptomatic, fed V-dog (vegan dry food) with occasional fresh carrots or blueberries as treats, no dietary indiscretions, no medications (medication hx- was treated with Panacur for whipworms and Mometamax when intially adopted from shelter at 1 yr. old). Waited 4-6 weeks, repeated a more comprehensive panel to recheck for increasing trend: CBC and thyroid normal, Ca and P normal; elevations were ALT=252, AST=66, ALP=202, GGT=19, Total Bilirubin= 0.4, and unconjugated Bilirubin= 0.3; decreased Lipase 46. Still asymptomatic, no changes in lifestyle at home. Started on VetriSciencePro Hepaticlear-2# chew supplements BID and scheduled recheck for 4 weeks later. After 15 days, noticed enlarged abdomen- became noticeable and significant after ~4 days. Recheck with vet- only change at home is that he has been hesitant to jump onto bed, no change in diet, activity, alertness. New weight- 106 lbs., mm pink, CRT <2 sec, no pain response on palpation of abdomen,no distressed breathing, no abnormalities in thoracic auscultation, ascites present. Abd rads show marked amount of fluid in the abdomen, no visual displacement of organs, no visible enlargement of liver or spleen, no indication of mass- like structures seen, and he was very compliant with positioning and palpation. Vet recommended not performing a abdominocentesis because he is currently stable and not showing any other symptoms of the fluid causing pain or difficulty breathing, and wanted to avoid causing hypovolemia/re-filling of the abdomen due to protein loss after the fluid is removed. Sent home to continue liver support chews, and referral to specialty clinic for ultrasound and biopsy of liver in 2 days (because it is Saturday).
June 30, 2018
0 Recommendations
There is certainly an increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in lipase (depending on which scale you use), however a decreased level of lipase is not always clinically significant and may not help in the diagnosis. There are various different causes for an increase in liver enzymes which may include infections, poisoning, tumours among other causes; you should continue with the HepatiClear Pro supplements for the time being and visit the Specialist when you get an appointment, it is not advisable to give any treatment at this time as we don’t want to skew the results of any testing with the Specialist. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 1, 2018
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Yellow Lab
Koda
14 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Groaning While Laying Down
Ok my dog has a good possibility that he has ascites he has been having this symptom for a while it didn't occur to me when my girlfriend showed me that when I thought his joints were getting bad from getting old but when my girlfriend showed me the ascites I'm more worried and I do not know what to do what can I do to ease through it or do I have to go to a vet?
June 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Koda has ascites, or fluid in his abdomen, he does need to see a veterinarian. Causes for this include heart and liver disease, or problems with protein levels. They'll be able to examine him and determine what might be going on.
June 27, 2018
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Cocker Griffon
Molly
10 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
My 10 year old cocker spaniel is in final stages of heart failure. She is on max medication- vetmedin,cardalysis, frusidine, moduret and had fluid removed from her abdomen 2 weeks ago to help her be more comfortable in her final days. I’m not sure what to expect. She seems happy in that wags tail and still begs for treats although eats little. She will lay down on a bed with lots of pillows but does spend a lot of time sitting up with laboured breathing. How will I now when she’s had enough. Please advice
June 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is never an easy question to answer, however you should ensure that Molly is comfortable and not struggling to breathe; she will spend a lot of time sitting up to relieve the pressure of the abdominal organs on the diaphragm to make breathing easier. This is really a ‘take each day as it comes’ but it is important to look at Molly’s overall quality of life and is she living or existing? Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 3, 2018
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japanese species
jimmy
8 Years
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my dog is 8yrs..i checked her because she urinated dark colured urine and her skin was pale yellow for 10 days whwn i noticed. In blood test report alp level is so high that was 419 and doctor said that she is sufferening frm icterus...in addition, there is fluid in abdomen...doctor recommended me to give her plenty of glucose water...and also precribed medicine named cefalexein and liv 52 .(ayurvedic medicine).and suggested to restrict salt and processed food...now my doggy is free from pale yellow ness. and urine is not so much darker..but i m noticing bubbles in her urine ...when she urinates in plaster ceiling bubbles is appeared...her abdomin is no changed at all..i told doctor about this he said that her body tempreture is alright so no need to worry because if there is infection,temreture will be increased..and suggested to continu to drink more glucose water..her apetite rate is not changed..she eats as usual..now plz suggest me what should i do for this...what should i do giv to my doggy to reduce abdominal fluid and urine foamness...
May 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure what is causing the foaminess in Jimmy's urine or if it is a problem, but the fluid in her abdomen may be related to her liver disease. That doesn't just go away unless her liver disease resolves, and may take time to decrease. Since you have been seeing your veterinarian for this problem, it would be best to stay in close contact with them about her progression, and monitor her urine for any other changes.
May 14, 2018
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Ascites Average Cost
From 341 quotes ranging from $350 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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