What is ascites in dogs

Further tests may be necessary to diagnose certain conditions. For example, electrocardiograms ECG and ultrasounds will be used to accurately diagnose congestive heart failure. Abdominocentesis can also alleviate the discomfort from ascites. However, treatment is entirely based on the underlying condition. If the cause is left untreated, ascites will probably come back. Some of the causes of ascites may be treated with medication.

Others may require surgery. A distended abdomen on your dog is something that should never be overlooked as it may be a sign of a serious disease.

If you would like to say a special thank you to the veterinary team for all their effort and exceptional care they provide to your furry family member, check out this article with some fantastic gift ideas! Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may arise due to decreased level of compliments which serve as antibacterial factors in ascetic fluid. Suspected cases of SBP are cultured in both aerobic and anaerobic blood media for isolation of organisms [ 51 ].

Cultured ascetic fluid should be subjected to sensitivity test to identify effective antimicrobiological agent in treatment. The DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in ascetic fluid can be detected using polymerase chain reaction in suspected cases. Ascites is treated symptomatically while addressing the primary cause of the condition. Efforts are geared towards relieving manifesting symptoms and preventing progression of ascites.

The main goal in congestive heart failure is to improve cardiac contractility, normalise cardiac arrhythmias and enhance cardiac output. Cardiac drugs such as dopamine and digoxin can be used at recommended dosages in cases of congestive heart failure in dogs. Dogs with right-sided heart failure should be placed on cage rest and on sodium-restricted diet [ 52 ]. Paracentesis is applied to relieve abdominal tension on the diaphragm and enhance normal respiration.

Repeated paracentesis is not required except in cases of failing treatment [ 52 ]. Paracentesis should not exceed 1.

Serum albumin sometimes is depleted during paracentesis and therefore should be monitored and replaced intravenously in case of depletion at the same quantity of fluid removed. The administration of albumin dosed at 1.

In cases of syncope, a balanced isotonic crystalloid fluid replacement such as Plasma-Lyte A, Normosol R and 0. Diuretics are used in addition to paracentesis to relieve ascites. Diuretics may be dosed once daily. Spironolactone could be substituted with either triamterene or amiloride since both drugs have good antagonistic effect on aldosterone action on the collecting tubules [ 55 ].

Furosemide is often the first line of treatment in cases of ascites with a half life of 1. Bumetanide and spironolactone could be used in combination with furosemide at the ratio of to reduce chances of furosemide resistance.

The dose ratio ensures efficient natriuresis and flow of water and also reduces the risk of potassium deficit from the use of furosemide [ 39 , 56 ].

Other diuretics such as torsemide and bumetanide have shown better efficacy than most diuretics [ 57 ]. Torsemide has a longer half life than both furosemide and bumetanide [ 57 ]. The standard treatment for SBP in humans involves immediate administration of third-generation cephalosporin such as intravenous ceftriaxone 1 to 2 g daily for 5 days [ 52 ].

The dose could be given at 1 g daily in dogs. The use of oral fluoroquinolones is equally effective in the treatment of SBP [ 59 , 60 ]; alternatively piperacillin and tazobactam could be considered [ 61 ].

The choice of antibacterial agent depends on culture and sensitivity test to reduce problems of drug resistance. Antibiotic treatment is usually given for an extended period to ensure complete cure of the bacterial infection. Portal hypertension is managed by the use of antihypertensive medications. A drug such as metolazone Mykron, Zaroxolyn aids in the elimination of oedema in congestive heart failure.

It enhances sodium excretion by inhibition of sodium reabsorption from the distil tubules, a function which is beneficial in renal conditions [ 55 ]. Mannitol Osmitrol inhibits tubular reabsorption of electrolyte by increasing the osmotic pressure of glomerular filtrate and urine output [ 55 ].

Cases of recurrent ascites in humans from portal hypertension may require the use of TIPS [ 28 ]. TIPS functions as a side-to-side portacaval anastomosis between the high portal pressure end and low hepatic vein pressure end, thereby effectively decongesting the portal system which may be useful in pets. A reduction in the portal hypertension brings a secondary decrease in RAAS activation and consequent increase in sodium excretion [ 62 ]. Persistent ascites from cirrhosis may be managed through liver transplant and removal of the damaged liver.

The hepatic cells naturally possess high regenerative capacity and can regenerate after undergoing severe degenerative condition. The hepatocytes in addition can perform at full capacity even with few viable cells, and therefore liver transplant is only required as a last resort after application of all remedial medications. Renal failure is managed by controlling blood pressure with drugs; avoid the use of hepatotoxic medications in treatment of ascites and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents NSAIDs such as acetaminophen.

Kidney dialysis is recommended in severe kidney damage. Cases of complications of encephalopathies from hepatic failure are best managed in intensive care units ICU [ 18 ]. Cases of early complication of encephalopathy may be treated as outpatient; nevertheless such a patient is closely monitored for further deterioration to grade II encephalopathy which would require prompt transfer to an intensive care unit.

Such a patient is placed on routine check on mental balance, and signs of restlessness could be slightly sedated with low dose of short-acting benzodiazepines. Dyspnea is prevented in late encephalopathy through placement of intratracheal intubation to avoid further complications of aspiration pneumonia. Cases of severe bleeding result from problems of coagulopathies which can be treated by addressing the coagulopathy through transfusion of coagulation products such as fresh frozen plasma and platelets and administration of vitamin K.

Severe conditions may be boosted by transfusion of packed red blood cells. Continuous bleeding after massive replacement infusions may indicate possible retroperitoneal bleeding [ 18 ]. A good number of herbal and antioxidant medications have shown to be beneficial in the treatment of ascites of hepatic origin. The use of these drugs remains controversial, but despite this the drug N-acetylcysteine and Silybum marianum still remain the drug of choice in the treatment of hepatic damage from acetaminophen toxicity and hepatic dysfunction, respectively [ 63 ].

Conclusion: Ascites is a disease condition commonly seen in pets of various age brackets with high incidences occurring in middle-aged dogs. Ascites is a common manifestation of a decompensate cirrhosis, cardiac diseases and several other aetiologies and is best diagnosed through established standard procedures of physical and clinical examinations, complete blood picture, cytology and various biochemical analyses.

Recent novel techniques such as platelet indices, leucocyte esterase reagent strip, tumour markers, bacterial DNA, cytokines and other proteins are available for the advancement of biochemical laboratory techniques and efficient diagnosis of ascites.

Treatment is centred on effective diagnosis of the aetiology. I sincerely acknowledge the God Almighty for His enablement bestowed upon me during the course of this write-up. Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.

Help us write another book on this subject and reach those readers. Login to your personal dashboard for more detailed statistics on your publications. Edited by Samuel Oppong Bekoe. Edited by Gabor Racz. We are IntechOpen, the world's leading publisher of Open Access books. Built by scientists, for scientists. Our readership spans scientists, professors, researchers, librarians, and students, as well as business professionals.

Downloaded: Abstract Ascites is one of the major complications seen in various disease conditions in pets. Keywords ascites SAAG hepatorenal syndrome diuretics portal hypertension abdominocentesis hepatic cardiac abdominal effusion abdominal drops.

Introduction Ascites is a term used to describe the condition of accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Ascites manifests in several disease conditions such as hepatic disease, various types of neoplasm, portal hypertension, alteration in serum protein level hypoproteinaemia , right-sided heart failure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure and increased permeability of capillary endothelium sequel to inflammatory conditions, bacterial infection tuberculosis , kidney malfunction, pre-hepatic portal hypertension, post-hepatic portal hypertension, trauma rupture of lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, urinary bladder , ancylostomosis peritonitis, bleeding disorders and malnutrition [ 2 , 3 ].

Table 1. Classification of ascites based on SAAG. More Print chapter. How to cite and reference Link to this chapter Copy to clipboard. Available from:. Over 21, IntechOpen readers like this topic Help us write another book on this subject and reach those readers Suggest a book topic Books open for submissions.

More statistics for editors and authors Login to your personal dashboard for more detailed statistics on your publications. Pet Health. May 19, Nov 4, Oct 1, Jun 3, Pet Health Ascites in pets Dr. Kim Smyth. Nov 12, Updated February 21, Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Common causes of ascites in pets include: Right-sided heart failure While left-sided heart failure often results in fluid buildup in the chest, right-sided heart failure causes fluid accumulation between the organs.

Chronic liver disease Due to decreased protein production by the liver or by increased resistance to blood flow in the liver. Peritonitis Inflammation or infection of the lining of the abdomen can cause fluid buildup.

Abdominal tumors Decreased lymph flow or fluid production by the tumor can both contribute to this condition. Protein-losing enteropathy This gastrointestinal disorder causes protein to be lost through the stool. Hemorrhage Blood in the abdomen or hemoabdomen can be caused by trauma, like when a pet gets hit by a car, tumors in the abdomen, or blood clotting disorders including rodenticide ingestion.

Urinary bladder rupture If a urinary blockage goes untreated, eventually the patient will succumb or the bladder will rupture, leaving the abdomen full of urine. It's simple. Get a quote. Prognosis and treatment While at the vet, diagnosis of ascites can sometimes be accomplished via physical exam only, as an uncomfortable distended abdomen is likely to be found.

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