Ascites in Dogs - Case Report

Ascites in Dog - Case Report 

Dr. Munish Julka

Rural Veterinary Officer

Civil Veterinary Hospital Saroopwali, Block-Batala, Distt. Gurdaspur

Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The volume of the fluid can be quite subtle, or it may be significant causing distention of the abdomen. Ascites has many causes, most of which can be very serious. Ascites is caused by leakage of fluid into the abdomen from blood vessels, lymphatics, internal organs.

Case History and Clinical Examination

A three year old male Rottweiler Dog was brought to Civil Veterinary Hospital, Saroopwali, Distt. Gurdaspur, Punjab. Dog was off fed from last four days and according to the owner the water intake by the dog increased excessively and there is also frequent micturation. On physical examination there was enlargement of the abdomen and on taping the abdomen there was undulating movements (Thrills) of the fluid. The eyes were sunken, rectal temperature was 101*F. Laboured respiration and Tachycardia was observed. Blood Test revealed Hb – 7g/dL, DLC – N 78,  L 19, M 3, TLC – 5500/cumm, BUN 168.97mg/dL (Normal 9 – 27 mg/dL), Creatinine 4.06mg/dL (Normal 0.6 – 1.2 mg/dL), TP – 3.6 g/dL, ALT- 55.37 U/L (Normal 15 – 84 U/L), AST - 27.7 U/L (Normal 20 – 70 U/L).

 

       

Treatment

Inj. Roscillin (Ampicillin – Ranbaxy) at the dose rate of 7mg/kg b.wt was administered intramuscularly. Inj. Lasix (Aventis) – 2ml Bid was given along with B-Complex Inj. Tribivet (Intas) – 2ml. Inj. D5 – 200ml slow Iv. Orally: Syrup Health up – 1 t.s.f BID and Syrup Heam up – 1 t.s.f BID, Eazypet (Intas) 3 – Tabs, Protein-X 2 t.s.f. Paracentesis was done to remove extra fluid from the abdomen. From 3^rd day onwards the abdominal distension decreases in size and feed intake started improving.

Discussions

As kidney functions declines the dog retains Ammonia, Nitrogen, Acids and other Chemical Wastes in his blood. This is called Uremia. The degree of Uremia is determined by measuring serum blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine. Signs of Uremia are apathy, depression, loss of appetite and weight. A dry coat with ammonical odour from breath. With Nephrotic Syndrome the dog develops Ascites and Edema along with vomiting. Treating Kidney failure includes restriction of salt intake, this helps to prevent Edema, Ascites and Hypertension. It is extremely important to provide fresh water all the time as dog must take enough to compensate the urine output.