It is important to spend time with your dog daily, not only because they are animals that need affection and socialization to enjoy true well-being, but also because being in contact with your dog will allow you to quickly notice any sign that may be indicating a pathology or disorder.
To notice these signs, sight is not enough, but contact is necessary, since through different displays of affection, you will be able to tell if your dog has wounds, inflammation or edema.
In this AnimalWised article we talk about the causes and treatment of ascites in dogs, a sign that can be very evident and involve great gravity.
What is ascites?
Ascites is also known as abdominal effusion, although this term simply indicates the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Ascites in itself is not a problem, unless the edema is so severe that it presses on the diaphragm causing respiratory distress, however, what can be very serious isthe disorder that is causing this sign , since the fluid accumulated in the abdominal cavity can come from the internal organs, blood vessels or lymph nodes. To assess the severity of ascites, it is essential to determine the underlying cause and the condition of the tissues.
Causes of ascites in dogs
Ascites in dogs can have multiple causes and it is essential that the veterinarian perform the necessary tests to determine where the problem originates. Among all the possible causes, the following should be highlighted:
- Low protein levels in the blood
- Heart failure
- Trauma with rupture of internal organs
- Bleeding disorders
- Bleeding tumors
- Liver diseases
- Inflammation of the peritoneum (membrane that covers the abdominal viscera)
- Blood vessel rupture
- Kidney disorders
Symptoms of ascites in dogs
Ascites is manifested mainly through abdominal distension, however, it can sometimes also be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Pain signs
- Moans at bedtime
- Respiratory distress
Diagnosis and treatment of ascites in dogs
The diagnosis of ascites can be established through diagnostic imaging tests such as abdominal radiography and ultrasound, however, the The veterinarian can also analyze the urine and will generally also empty the accumulated fluid in the abdomen, which should then be analyzed in order to establish the underlying cause.
The treatment of ascites will vary depending on each cause, in the event that there is an infection, antibiotic drugs will be necessary, on the other hand, if the cause is a tumor, a surgical intervention may be considered. Only the veterinarian can indicate the most appropriate treatment in each case.
A follow-up should be carried out to assess how the dog responds to the treatment and from home we can help by restricting the amount of s alt in the dog's diet, since sodium aggravates the accumulation of body fluids.
Can ascites in dogs be prevented?
There are so many causes of ascites that there is no method that guarantees 100% prevention, however, we can reduce the risk taking into account the following considerations:
- Keep your dog in a safe place and walk it on a leash to minimize the risk of trauma
- Feed your dog with a quality feed
- Do not self-medicate your dog
- Strictly follow the established vaccination schedule
